CANTON – Debbie Hutchins was talking online to a friend in Panama City, Fla., after Hurricane Katrina hit the Mississippi coast.
Her friend began telling her about the family from Ocean Springs, Miss., she had taken in because they had lost their home. Hutchins decided to hold a fund-raiser to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina, specifically the family from Ocean Springs, Miss.
The mother of the “adopted family” is a school teacher and the father is a welder. They have two children. Hannah, 2, was born with a fused spinal cord and has other birth defects. She has spent most of her life in the hospital. The son, Reid, is 7 years old.
On Saturday, Oct. 8, the town of Canton, the Canton Volunteer Fire Department and the Canton Water District will be accepting donations at the Canton Municipal Building from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Donations can include clothing, toiletries, toys, baby items and linens as well as ready-to-eat, nonperishable food. Cash is also welcome.
The Fire Department invites people to bring bottles and dirty cars, and proceeds from the bottle drive and car wash will go to aid the victims.
Kathy Hutchins said that if anyone in the area knows of a specific family affected by Hurricane Katrina that needs help, they should to show up at the benefit with names. Everyone will be helped as far as the proceeds allow.
For more information, people may call Debbie Hutchins at 597-3071, or Kathy Hutchins at the Town Office at 597-2920, or Sherri Cyr at 597-2019.
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