South Mississippians and Pearl River Community College know what it means to persevere through tragedy. Pearl River also understands rebuilding is not a one-person job; it takes a community.
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, families just began showing up to help in any way they could. Specifically, South Louisianans appeared in droves, with supplies and manpower. Through those shared experiences a bond was formed. While the Pine Belt and PRCC’s region was largely spared from a direct hit from Hurricane Ida last month, our friends in Louisiana were not.
“We try to look out for each other. I remember families just showing up,” Pearl River President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. “I’ve been down there quite a bit. It’s really bad. We’re going to do whatever we can to help.”
Breerwood announced Tuesday night PRCC is launching a relief effort to aid residents of Thibodaux, Louisiana, and its surrounding communities.
“A lot of the people in the area have nothing,” Breerwood said. “The surrounding communities are in desperate need of tarps, sanitary items like toilet paper, female hygiene items, flashlights and batteries.
“Even ice is extremely hard to come by.”
Through the rest of the week, Pearl River will be collecting donations at all of its campus Wildcat Den bookstore locations (in Poplarville, at the Forrest County Campus and the Waveland Campus). Monetary donations are also welcome.
The hope is to load up all the donations this weekend and make a delivery Monday or Tuesday.
“If any members of our PRCC family can assist in a donation, it would be much appreciated,” Breerwood said. “Let’s work to lessen the burden for our remarkable neighbors.”
DONATE AT SOCCER MATCH
Pearl River will also collect donations at Friday’s rivalry soccer matches vs. Jones College. Kickoff at the PRCC Soccer Complex is set for 5 p.m. Tickets are $8 and are available at PRCCAthletics.com/tickets.
For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats), Instagram (PRCCWILDCATS) and Facebook(@PRCCMKTG).
