Kemper employees collect donations for tornado victims

After a tornado swept across central Mississippi in late April, carving out a path of destruction and killing 14 people, employees at the Kemper County energy facility immediately asked how they could help in the recovery process.

At the plant’s May safety meeting a few days later, a hat was passed around and $1,600 was donated.

On May 20, Tripp Ward, chemical products analyst at Kemper and fundraiser organizer, delivered the donation to a pair of employees at the Red Hills plant who lost their homes in Louisville.

“The support from our employees has been unbelievable,” Ward said. “This is just another example of how supportive this team is of their community in a time of need.”

At the entrance gates to the plant, several security guards that live in Louisville, which took a direct hit from the tornado, organized another collection.

“Captain Robert Smith had the idea that his security force could show their appreciation and compassion for the tornado victims by donating some needed items,” Drew Hunt, Mississippi Power security coordinator, said.

Employees from Total Protection Services and the plant’s security officers raised more than $400 and used the money to purchase water, food, paper towels and other personal items.

The supplies were delivered to the Louisville relief effort in mid-May.