When tornadoes ripped across the entire state of Mississippi last month, many communities were thrown into chaos. What followed is an example of humanity and southern hospitality at its finest.

When Salvation Army units deployed to the area, crew members discovered a distribution center that was not an official distribution center at all.

Renee, a longtime resident of Blackhawk, explained. “Loaves and Fishes. That’s the best way to sum it up. Ms. Ailene came out here yesterday with 25 biscuits and water, and it’s grown from there.”

Inspired by one person intending to serve only breakfast, community members started to bring donations. There were multiple tents providing any number of necessities and caravans of all-terrain vehicles taking coolers of ice and supplies to people still trapped by impassible roads.

The Salvation Army will continue to assess community needs to ensure survivors have their immediate needs met.

You can support these efforts by visiting helpsalvationarmy.org or by texting MSTornadoes to 51555.