Covington, Tenn. - On March 31, many West Tennessee communities were impacted by the server weather and tornadoes- one being Covington, Tennessee. Many families are relying on outside resources and volunteers.
Two of the local schools, Crestview Middle and Crestview Elementary, were destroyed by the tornados and many locals are facing severe property damage. Local businesses were taken down to their foundation and major roadways were blocked with debris. Currently, there are volunteers from all around Tipton, Lauderdale and Shelby counties working to clean up the rubble.
There are many in the Covington community who are continuing to experience displacement as apartment complexes and homes are being shut down for safety. According to Amber Griffin Shaw, a community member who has been actively posting updates and resources on Facebook, there are some families are just now getting access to these resources- almost 5 days later- due to impassable roads and areas.
Linemen have been working hard to restore power to the impacted communities with only a reported 32 members without power, according to Southwest Tennessee Electric Membership Corporation this morning.
If you would like to help give back to the Tipton County community, they are currently collecting home and food items and gladly taking volunteers.
If you would like to make a donation of cash, meal cards, gift cards or check make them payable to the City of Covington, memo line April 1 disaster.
Samaritan's Purse U.S. Disaster Relief is accepting volunteers for the following work:
Removal/salvaging of personal property and furniture
Tree work and debris cleanup
Roof tarping
To volunteer, call 901-422-3838 or visit spvolunteer.org
If you cannot donate time or ability, they are also collecting items for those who have been displaced:
Boxed/Canned Goods
pasta
spaghetti sauce
mac & cheese
canned ravioli
jelly (any flavor)
instant rice
breakfast bars
chips
water flavor packets
gluten free snacks
sugar free snacks
eady to eat meals (Starkist tuna, etc)
peanut butter
Baby/Toddler Items
toddler snacks
toddler meal
juice boxes
Pedialyte
kid's toothpaste
Household Items
first aid/ bandaids
chips and snacks
hairbrushes/combs
q-tips
face tissues
cleaning wipes and spray cleaner
detergent
shaving cream
pain relief medicine (Tylenol/Ibuprofen)
school supplies
These items can be delivered to First Baptist Church of Covington at 2105 Hwy 59 South in Covington, TN 38019 or to Cobb Parr Park, 100 C E Moss Pkwy, Covington, TN 38019.
Updates are being posted to the Covington Police Department Facebook regularly.