The National Guard Armory located on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson is open this week to receive donations for those impacted by Winter Storm Fern.
Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced that the venue opened on Monday at 10 a.m. and will be open until 5 p.m. Crews from the commissioner’s agency will be collecting bottled water, nonperishable food items (soup and other canned goods), can openers, baby diapers and formula, propane cook stoves and propane bottles, and basic essential paper products like paper towels and toilet paper.
The Department of Agriculture and Commerce is partnering with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency to get supplies to the northern region of the state as soon as roads are safe to travel on.
“As we keep praying for those without heat or power in this cold, we are also planning to help,” Gipson said. “Beginning at 10:00 a.m. this morning, I have directed the old National Guard Armory on the State Fairgrounds be opened to receive donations from concerned members of the public to assist those affected by Winter Storm Fern, especially in North Mississippi.”
For the remainder of the week, Tuesday through Friday, operating hours at the armory will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Deliveries will be received and distributed throughout the week to ensure assistance reaches those with the greatest need.