GENEROSITY OF CALHOUN FOLKS COMES THROUGH - Help Given Upper West Fork, Hurricane Katrina Victims

(09/13/2005)

A large dumpster paid for by the Calhoun Commission at the Upper West Fork Park was over-filled yesterday, but County Clerk Richard Kirby said it will be emptied for other debris from the flash flood that struck the area

Calhoun folks have lent a helping hand to those who have suffered from Hurricane Katrina and residents of the upper West Fork area.

Michelle Sears told the Calhoun Commission yesterday the Upper West Fork Park is grateful for the $2,500 given to the group, since all their appliances were damaged by flood waters.

She said they are looking for some further assistance to replace appliances.

"We would have been unable to operate without the commission's help," she said.

The commission is paying for the removal of debris from the flash flood area, a dumpster is located at the park. That project is expected to cost about $2,500.

The commission donated over $1,000 to the Upper West Fork VFD yesterday, excess money collected to aid victims of hurricane Katrina.

The commission is asking the fire department to use the money to help the community.

Calhoun residents donated over $6,000 cash to help flood and hurricane victims.

Operation Neighbor, the mission to help victims in Mississippi, was financially covered "by the generosity of Calhoun people," said commission president Larry McCallister.

Commissioners paid their own expenses, he said.

"Any further donations will be given to help residents of the upper West Fork flash flood," he said.

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