Keesler FCU Lends A Helping Hand

The aftermath of a devastating tornado still plagues the cities of Hattiesburg and Petal.
As News 25’s Hank Davis reports.
With thousands in need,one group from the Coast made a trip to lend a helping hand.
The cleanup effort is in full swing in Hattiesburg and the surrounding areas as residents piece together their communities after last month’s deadly EF-3 tornado, and this weekend a group from the coast made a trip to the pine belt to do a little bit of heavy lifting for those that are in need of assistance.
Keesler Federal Credit Union was a big part of the recovery on the gulf coast after hurricane Katrina, and now they’re sending crews to Hattiesburg to make sure that that community has the same support.”
Ben Donald with Keesler Federal Credit Union said,”There’s really no way to plan for tornadoes, it’s not like a hurricane. You know, to where a hurricane you know at least a week to plan, these kind of just pop up anywhere and this is the second tornado that’s come through since 2013 so we’re just trying to do our part to help out with the community.”
And community is what it’s all about, the employees love working for a company that cares. Wanda Butler with Keesler Federal Credit Union said, “Keesler is all about the community, about our members about employees and it’s just a great company to work with. You really don’t know how bad it is until you get up here and actually look at it, it means a lot that we’re able to help them. Especially I’ve seen where some of the people aren’t able to help themselves.”
And in spite of the devastation in the Pinebelt, those in need have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of kindness from groups like Keesler Federal Credit Union. Pine Belt resident Dewey Cognevich said,”With all the extra help, nobody could believe how many groups were around helping everybody and doing things right after the storm, and you know, we’re appreciative. We were blessed. The man upstairs has been looking out for us and we’ve been very pleased. We’re taking it all in stride.”