There is such a huge sense of helplessness watching The Weather Channel or any news outlet as natural disasters unfold.  I think most of us feel the need to do something!   All are invited to support and participate in our community wide Hurricane Relief effort, aka Whirlwind Night of Giving. 

It truly is a whirlwind effort organizing and promoting this event so quickly but those who are without basic necessities need our help now!  Our night of giving  will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3. All activities will be on the Natchez Bluff behind the Natchez Grand Hotel.

What started as Callon Petroleum Natchez employees’ desire to support their Houston coworkers and Co-Lin students’ wish to “do something” has morphed into a full on grass roots event.  Please consider organizing your business, church, school, book club, etc. to contribute in some way. All proceeds will go directly to charities benefiting the areas affected by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria.  This is a grassroots effort led by our community to help because we can!

So I know everyone reading this will want to know how they can help.  You can participate just by coming to the event.  Sign up for the WhirlWind Waddle 5K and Fun Run, bring your family for dinner, join in the fun games, bid on something in the silent auction, partake of adult beverages in the Southwest Distributors Beer Garden or just sit and listen to music from some of our many talented local musicians. Write a check, bring cash or plastic and we will work hard to make sure ALL proceeds get to those in need!

Success of this event is dependent upon you and your circle!  Here are some other ways you can help: Get a group and walk or run in the WhirlWind Waddle 5K. Organize your business, church, school or club to “do something.”  Cook lunch for your office and take donations to offer from your business, Callon will be doing that Tuesday.  Donate items or a service for the silent auction.  Schools and clubs, find a fun, creative way to raise funds.  Help with promotion by sharing the event on facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/118298008879981 or in any other way.

Registration for the WhirlWind Waddle 5K sponsored by Co-Lin’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter will begin at 5 p.m. and the run/walk will begin at 6 p.m. with the Fun Run to immediately follow.  The registration donation for the event is $10 per participant and $5 for ages 12 and under.  Forms for preregistration are available through the facebook event or by emailing Amanda.hood@colin.edu.  Forms will also be available at the Co-Lin library.

All donations will be administered through the Community Alliance Natchez Adams County, a 501c3 and are tax deductible.  All proceeds will go to reputable, non-government, non-top heavy organizations supporting the effected areas.  Checks should be made payable to Community Alliance Natchez Adams County.  Cash and credit cards will also be accepted at the event site.

Additional sponsors and activities are being added all the time.  Let us know how you are going to participate.

For more information or to volunteer please contact Beth Richard, Copiah-Lincoln Community College beth.richard@colin.edu, call 601.446.1107 or drop by the Co-Lin Natchez Campus Library.

Beth Richard is the library director for the Natchez campus of Copiah-Lincoln Community College.