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The Natchez City Cemetery has established a fund for donations for the repair and restoration of the Turning Angel statue.

Natchez City Cemetery Board President Elise Rushing said she has received numerous calls from people who want to donate money to help repair the statue which was damaged Tuesday when it was toppled off its pedestal.

Rushing said those who want to help can send donations to the Natchez City Cemetery Turning Angel Fund at:

Turning Angel Fund
P.O. Box 1738
Natchez, Mississippi 39121

The Turning Angel statue was found Tuesday afternoon lying on the ground next to its pedestal. One of the angel’s wings was broken and cemetery workers were not sure how the statue was removed from its pedestal. The statue is a landmark of Natchez and has been in its spot in the Natchez City Cemetery since it was placed there by the owner of the Natchez Drug Company to commemorate the lives of five girls who died in the building when it exploded in 1908.

Rushing said the board continues to check up on resumes of possible monument restoration companies that could help repair the Natchez landmark. Rushing said they want to select the right company to do the job.

“We want to make sure this is done correctly,” Rushing said. “Any money that comes in for the Turing Angel will be greatly appreciated.”

Rushing said the board also welcomes donations for the overall upkeep of the cemetery. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rushing said the board has not determined how the cemetery’s biggest fundraiser “Angels on the Bluff” will be affected because of social distancing guidelines and other restrictions.

“We are working hard to find ways to supplement our income to continue the upkeep of the cemetery,” Rushing said.