Chicagoans seek to help Mississippi tornado victims

Well, 12 Red Cross agencies from across the country and right here to Chicago are heading down to Mississippi as we speak to lend a hand after that massive tornado uprooted thousands of lives. We spoke with one Red Cross worker deploying literally just later this afternoon who says that she's on a mission to share stories of hope and survival. Even if I can just be a shoulder to cry on, that's what I want to get out of going down there. Mara Thompson booked a one-way ticket to tornado ravaged Mississippi, her first disaster deployment with the Red Cross. She leaves just hours from now. Getting the chance to go first hand and see something like this, I think it's just going to be a really rewarding experience to really help the people that need it in the time that they need it most. Mara is one of countless Red Cross workers converging on Mississippi.

After that powerful tornado left at least 25 people dead, dozens injured and made a 59 mile scar on the state. Basically what our goal is is to make sure that the people that have been affected by this horrible tragedy have everything they need for next steps, whether that's a meal to eat, a place to stay, a shelter. A West Side church is also stepping in to help. Water bottles, toilet paper, paper towels and other goods line a wall at new inspirational missionary Baptist church on the West Side. The church has passed a grew up in the destroyed town of Rolling Fork, Mississippi and plans to deliver the supplies later this week. I was devastated seeing the town destroyed the lives that were lost. We all know how one feels in a situation like this.

Now Tottie and Troll, of course, many of us want to find out how we can help out Mississippi in their time of need. You can find a list of resources right now on abc7chicago.com. Watch breaking news on YouTube. Subscribe to ABC 7 Chicago Eyewitness News.

news, mississippi tornado victims, tornado mississippi, mississippi, ms tornado, tornado damage, tornado, mississippi tornado 2023, tornadoes, tornado news, tornado in mississippi