Local volunteers pitch in to help their community

JACKSON, Tenn. — One local community is lending a helping hand to their neighbors that were affected by the recent storms.

Many organizations have sent their support to McNairy County, but locals are also pitching in to do their part. From small business owners to local officials, everyone is helping out to serve their community.

“Everybody’s family, and family helps family. That’s what we have going on here today and have had for some time at the ag center. We have family helping family, whether you’re kin or not, you’re still family if you live in McNairy County,” said McNairy County Mayor Larry Smith.

“This is what we call home, and so, it’s very important to serve back our community that has supported us and taken care of us,” said Callie Allison, volunteer.

“I think we just all just wanted to find a way to do something — just to help these people [and] make an impact for these people. And like she said, that’s why we’re all here,” said Maggie Inman, volunteer.

Local students are also volunteering their time to help fellow classmates and their families.

“We have been very blessed to not have any storm damage, so I decided it was the least that I could do to come up here and help the people that have been affected and that need help,” said Jake Wardlow, student volunteer.

“I know there’s lots of kids, especially in the county and places, that were affected by the storm that they might not have had as much, and that’s part of the reason I wanna be here because I do have the resources to help, and I have the ability to help,” said Cooper Teague, student volunteer.

This sense of purpose is bringing volunteers together for something bigger than themselves.

“Well, it’s not just the locals that are volunteering. You know, we’ve had trucks that delivered here, we had like 11 semis come in this facility in one day,” said Mayor Smith.

“We’re bringing volunteers in town from not just here in Tennessee, but from states that are bordering us, Kentucky, Alabama. We’re bringing in a lot of people to help out,” said Curtis Morman with the American Red Cross.

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