Hurricane Aid

[Allgoodhits]

Can't decide which charity to donate to? Wondering if the money will ever get to the right people? How about help those who help others.

The following was sent to me by Lt Phil Hemphill MHP after my inquiry as to what we may do to help. Phil Hemphill and Bobby Reed both of MHP have competed in numerous NRA Bianchi Cups. Let's help 'em.

In this time of crisis along the Mississippi Gulf Coast following the

devastation of Katrina, the Mississippi Highway Patrol (MHP) and

hundreds of other law enforcement agencies have responded in full

force to help with search, rescue and recovery. "The conditions are grim

for everyone," said Master Sergeant Bobby Reed, President of the

Mississippi State Troopers' Association. "The men and women of the MHP and all

other local law enforcement are working tirelessly to help but these

usually polished officers are now muddy and dirty from search and

rescue duties. Many haven't changed clothes in several days. They are

facing the same conditions as the survivors, little food, little water, no

significant shelter, no power, you get the idea." After witnessing

the efforts of his comrades first hand this morning, Master Sergeant Reed

decided more needed to be done to help. As a result, an account has

been set up through Trustmark Bank for monetary donations that will

be used to buy needed supplies that will be distributed to all law

enforcement officers working along the Gulf Coast. Anyone wishing to

help with this effort can make donations at any Trustmark Bank branch

in Mississippi, Texas, Florida or in Memphis, Tennessee and earmark it

"The Mississippi State Trooper and Law Enforcement Relief Fund".

Residents in other areas may send monetary donations care of The Mississippi

State Trooper and Law Enforcement Relief Fund, P.O. Box 22871, Jackson,

Mississippi 39225. For those who prefer to purchase supplies, M/Sgt.

Reed created a list of desperately needed items (see attachment)

which can be dropped off in Raymond, Mississippi at the Hinds County Penal

Farm off Highway 18. "We just can't thank Hinds County Sheriff

Malcolm McMillan enough," said M/Sgt. Reed. "He has graciously offered us

the location for this drop-off as well as the manpower to load our

trailers." The drop-off location will be open to receive donations Monday thru

Friday, 8a.m.-5p.m. "We have already sent four trucks to the Coast

with supplies we were able to distribute through the generosity of several

businesses," said M/Sgt. Reed. "But this need is greater than that.

I know there are many folks just wondering what they can do to help and

this is one way. We have to be able to meet the needs of the first

responders if they are going to meet the needs of the victims."

NEEDED DONATIONS FOR MISSISSIPPI STATE TROOPERS

AND LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS WORKING HURRICANE KATRINA

(in no particular order)

Camel-back Water Packs

Work Gloves

Rubber Boots

Socks

Underwear

Baby Wipes

Paper Towels (Heavy Duty)

Tire Plug Kits (to fix flats)

Toothpaste

Filtered Face Masks

First Aid Kit

T-Shirts (plain white undershirts)

Bed Sheets (nothing too heavy)

Towels

Air Mattresses/Sleeping Bags

Air Compressors

Foot Powder/Body Powder

Calamine Lotion

Portable Showers

Mosquito Repellent

MONETARY DONATIONS

"MISSISSIPPI STATE TROOPERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT RELIEF FUND"

TRUSTMARK BANK LOCATIONS: ALL IN MISSISSIPPI, TEXAS, FLORDIA & MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE

OTHER MONETARY DONATIONS

"MISSISSIPPI STATE TROOPERS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT RELIEF FUND"

P.O. BOX 22871

JACKSON, MS 39225

Warren Strain, MSC

Director of Public Affairs

MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT

OF PUBLIC SAFETY

P.O. Box 958

Jackson, Mississippi 39205

987-1390 - voice

987-1393 - fax

930-4584 - pager

942-3128 - cellular

Lt Philip Hemphill

Range Director

M.L.E.O.T.A.

601-933-2140

(end)

Thanks,

Martin Johnson

Virginia