Dear Sir,
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, could you please help make a difference for the youth of the Mississippi Gulf Coast? If so, please read . . .
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (or can you turn this into a story)
Mississippi Gulf Coast “Band Aide”
While it’s been said that in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina the Mississippi Gulf Coast needs much more than a band-aid, I disagree. The kind of band aid I’m talking about can make a difference in a big way. Mississippi Gulf Coast “Band Aide” could do so much for so many, with your help. I’ll tell you how you can help, but first I’d like to tell you who I am and where I’m writing from. I hope you’ll keep reading and that you are interested in helping.
My name is Jacqueline Pierce, I am the director of the Jones County Chamber of Commerce, located in Laurel, Mississippi. Laurel is about a two hour drive from the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Immediately after Hurricane Katrina, our city streets and county roads were impassable. We lost so many of our beautiful oak trees that our historic district is known for. People that live out in the country couldn’t get into the city for a couple of days after the hurricane. They were turned back by law enforcement, because of hazardous issues. When they could get in, food was scarce and they were unable to find gas for their cars and generators.
Laurel/Jones County had complete loss of electrical power. For some, power was not restored for 18 days or more. All cell towers and radio stations lost communications for days. Residential phone service is still out in many areas. Still, nothing in Laurel can compare to the devastation on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. We were simply knocked to our knees, the Coast has been knocked flat. They need your help.
A little more than two months have passed since Katrina and we are still in the recovery stage. It is estimated by FEMA that it will take two to five years for our complete recovery. If it’s going to take Laurel/Jones County that long to recover it will take many, many more years for the Coast to stand again.
Laurel/Jones County received and continues to receive a tremendous outpouring of support from caring communities and individuals near and far. Thanks to this support we have made great progress in our recovery efforts. Realizing this, and on behalf of the Jones County Chamber of Commerce, I am now hoping to help the Mississippi Gulf Coast as we have been helped.
About three weeks ago I had the opportunity to be on the Gulf Coast and to speak to State Representative Jim Simpson. He spoke of the devastation Katrina brought to the Coast and of the overwhelming needs for so many. I asked Representative Simpson what our community could do for the Gulf Coast. His response was anything to do with schools.
Upon returning back to my office I did an internet search on
http://www.mde.k12.ms.us/Katrina/
to see what the Gulf Coast needs were concerning schools. There were several needs that caught my attention, but one need in particular stood out. The need for band instruments for the schools and students’ on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is enormous. There is a need not only for today’s band students, but maybe an even greater need for future band students.
When the families of these future band students don’t have suitable housing and have lost so much, they simply won’t have the money for flutes and clarinets. It will take these families many years to regain their standard of living prior to Katrina. This will have an affect not only on Coast high schools, but a long term affect on colleges and university’s in the State of Mississippi.
I believe that with your help “Band Aide” can make a difference and restore hope for the future. Here’s how. Do you or anyone you know have a used band instrument that is “gathering dust in the attic”? If so, you have an opportunity to put it to good use. By joining the efforts of the Jones County Chamber of Commerce you can really make a difference for beginning band students on the Coast for years to come.
All instruments shipped to the Jones County Chamber of Commerce will be awarded to schools by a special committee based upon greatest need. This committee will be composed of Gulf Coast bankers, individuals from Mississippi Power, business owners and other individuals on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Your donation of a band instrument will be accepted until December 2, 2005.
Your kind donation will make a wonderful Christmas gift and an encouraging start in the New Year for band students on the Coast. Together, we can make a difference. Please attach your name and address to the instrument so that the student or school will be allowed to thank you. Monetary donations would also be welcome.
Please send band instrument to: Jones County Chamber of Commerce
Band Aide
153 Base Drive
Laurel, MS 39440
Please spread the word about the need to help future band students that have been affected by Hurricane Katrina.
THANK YOU!
Contact Info:
Jacqueline B. Pierce, Director
Jones County Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 527
153 Base Drive
Laurel, MS 39441
800/392-9629 or 601/649-3031
jacquelinep@edajones.com
www.edajones.com
