Supply drop-offs at Bilo, McGuinns

An 18-year-old from Mill Spring will spend his Memorial Day weekend and following week helping tornado victims in Oklahoma.

Jackson Hughes is joining a team with Relate Church in Henderson County to help clean up debris and pass out supplies in tornado stricken areas.

Hughes is asking residents in Polk County to help his mission by donating supplies that he will pick up and take to Oklahoma.

There are drop boxes located at Bilo in Columbus, McGuinn’s Store in Sunny View and Cuts of Columbus.

The team of volunteers will leave this Sunday, May 26, for Moore, Okla. in a caravan. The mission trip organized quickly so the group is not sure where they will be staying, but are so concerned they are prepared to sleep in vehicles or in tents if necessary.

Hughes said he wants to go because the Bible says we are supposed to love our neighbor and ourselves. He said he hates seeing people suffer.

“They need help and I am going to help them,” said Hughes.