TURF (Tristates Unemployed Relief Fund) - to assist those who have lost jobs and need help

I have been asked over the past week by many people how they can help those impacted by the Governor's shutdown of Country Crossing.

Tomorrow after our Administrative meeting we will be announcing a grassroots effort called TURF (Tristates Unemployed Relief Fund) to help raise funds for agencies in the area who provide services to Country Crossing workers and others in the community who have lost jobs and need help.  Due to the unfortunate current situation at Country Crossing we believe there will be a large increase in requests for assistance on top of the already high demand caused by the high unemployment rate.  We have asked those impacted to work through the local "211" system (www.211connectsalabama.org) who will direct them to organizations able to provide help with utilities, housing, food and other essentials.  Unfortunately, the agencies don't have unlimited resources and, with the increase in demand from Country Crossing, they will need our help.  The agencies include non-profits, churches, faith based, public agencies and others who have established programs to help those in need.  Funds will be distributed to agencies based on services they actually provide.

Those that are interested in supporting the employees of Country Crossing and others in the community who are in need may do so by contributing to the TURF Fund.  The Wiregrass Rehabilitation Center is acting as fiduciary agent so all checks should be made to "WRC-TURF" and may be dropped off along with any cash contributions at SunSouth Bank in Dothan (next to the Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce), Enterprise or Clio or may be mailed (checks only) to SunSouth Bank, P.O. Box1910, Dothan, Al. 36302.  Additionally, we encourage direct giving to your favorite charity or the Wiregrass United Way whose agencies will also be helping.  If you are interested in providing food, the Wiregrass Food Bank will be the drop off point.

Until Country Crossing reopens, let's help those who have given so many in our region so much joy over the past two months.  Hopefully, they will return to work soon along with other unemployed citizens but, until then, they all need our help and support.  I know we will all do the right thing.  Thank you in advance for your generosity.  Please pass this on to others who will help.