In the wake of the devastating tornadoes that struck Tylertown last week, Mike Watkins wanted to do something to help.

He quickly spearheaded a grassroots effort to provide much-needed aid to those affected by the disaster.

Watkins, who has personal experience with hardship, including surviving tornadoes and the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, understands all too well the toll that such disasters can take.

“I know what it’s like to lose everything so I just wanted to help,” he said.

Watkins reached out to Chief Wes Anderson of the Lafayette County Fire Department and Chief Joey Gardner with the Oxford Fire Department, to coordinate a supply drop-off initiative.

Watkins and his team plan to collect donations by Saturday, with the first round of supplies set to be delivered over the weekend. Additional drop-offs will be scheduled for the following week if more supplies are needed.

The drop-off locations are the LCFD Central Station at 50 CR 1032 and Oxford Fire Station No. 1 at 399 McElroy Drive.

Items needed :

• Clean water
• Canned food, dry goods, and non-perishables
• Toiletries (soap, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
• Kids’ clothing and shoes
• Baby essentials (formula, diapers, blankets, clothes, pumping supplies)
• Gatorade
• Trash bags and cleaning supplies (buckets, gloves, towels, washcloths)
• First aid supplies (bandages, antiseptic, medical kits)
• Bug spray and hygiene products
• Dog food and pet supplies
• Gas cans
• Flashlights and batteries (all sizes)
• Gift cards