WMU Foundation makes HEART Fund grant to aid Hattiesburg tornado victims

WMU Foundation makes HEART Fund grant to aid Hattiesburg tornado victims

BIRMINGHAM (WMU Foundation) — In the aftermath of storms that swept through the southeastern United States Jan. 21–22, national Woman’s Missionary Union (WMU) and the WMU Foundation have awarded a $5,000 grant from the HEART (Humanitarian Emergency Aid for Rebuilding Tomorrow) Fund to assist international students and the children of missionaries (MKs) attending William Carey University in Hattiesburg, Miss.

“My first thought after witnessing the vast destruction in my community was that the HEART Fund was there for just such a crisis as this,” said Linda Donnell, WMU Foundation board member and Mississippi regional coordinator for Christian Women’s Job Corps/Christian Men’s Job Corps, a ministry of WMU.

The tornado touched down in Hattiesburg on the morning of Jan. 21, killing at least 4 people. The violent storm crossed several counties including Harrison County where William Carey University is located.

Donnell said she was particularly concerned for the international students and MKs attending William Carey University who are so far from home.

“I am hoping that attention can be directed towards their needs,” Donnell said.

The HEART Fund grant will be used to purchase gift cards for each of the 30 MKs as well as the international students affected by the storms.

The WMU Foundation is accepting donations to the HEART Fund for disaster relief online at wmufoundation.com or by mail to WMU Foundation HEART Fund, 100 Missionary Ridge, Birmingham, AL 35242.