MC Responds to Assist Families of Clinton Apartment Complex Fire
Mississippi College supporters and others in metro Jackson are raising cash and donating items to families, including two MC students, affected by a Sunday morning fire at a Clinton apartment complex.
MC organizations are being asked to donate cash and items such as microwave ovens, desktop computers, washer/dryers and beds to assist brothers Tyler Shandy, 24, a senior, and Jay Shandy,19, a sophomore. Both are business administration majors from McComb.
Today, Karen Lowe of Jackson radio station 96.3FM was out at Chick fil-A in Flowood as customers stopped by for breakfast and donated to the cause to help after a fire destroyed 16 family units at the Reserve at Woodchase Apartments. The good news is that "we are blessed that nobody was hurt," said Jim Turcotte. MC vice president for enrollment management and student affairs.
There were 43 residents displaced due to the fire first reported at 5:49 a.m. Sunday. The Jackson radio station today mentioned one woman who lost everything due to Hurricane Katrina two years ago and now was wiped out again.
MC is also helping the students restock their pantry. Items can be dropped off at 212 Nelson Hall. Cash donations will be accepted at the business office also known as "MC Central" at the first floor of the administration building, Turcotte said.
Another resident at the damaged apartment with MC connections is Keife Early, who is married and has been enrolled in MC's accelerated degree program.
Tyler Shandy, a graduate of Parklane Academy, said he appreciates the outpouring of donations. "I called teachers and faculty to thank them and let them know we are very grateful for everything they provided us. It was amazing to me. I couldn't believe it."
Shandy said he and his brother are staying at the Extended Stay hotel in Jackson provided by the Red Cross, but need to relocate Wednesday. They may live at the Comfort Inn in Clinton for two weeks. "I lost everything I ever had. My little brother lost about half of his stuff."
He said he could use more clothes. There were donations from local churches in Clinton and Pinelake Church in Brandon. "I definitely want to say thank-you to those people."
Shandy has all his textbooks, but MC is seeking to get his brother's destroyed books replaced.
"The most important thing is nobody was hurt. You can replace things. You can't replace people," he said. The brothers will return to class on the Clinton campus Wednesday.
Jay Shandy, who graduated from Parklane Academy in 2006, was in Oxford for the weekend at the Ole Miss football game. Tyler Shandy was in McComb visiting his family at the time of the blaze. "Everybody has been real helpful about everything."
The brothers received $600 from Red Cross, and $500 from Pine Lake Church, among other donations. Items are also being accepted at the Clinton complex. The two MC students, like most of the occupants at the complex didn't have renters' insurance.
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