by Brenda Valiante
Hawkinsville, GA — Horsemen and employees of the Hawkinsville Harness Horse Training Center in Hawkinsville, Ga., joined together this week to aid victims of last weekend’s deadly storms.
Brenda Valiante photo
Horsemen load a truck with supplies to aid tornado victims.
An outbreak of more than 70 tornadoes over two days resulted in a path of destruction that took the lives of 21 people across the South, including 16 in Georgia, and caused at least $100 million in damage.
“The horsemen and track employees wanted to do something to help those who lost everything from the storms,” cites Jim Valiante, Hawkinsville’s track manager. “They purchased blankets, pillows, bedding, clothing, cleaning supplies, water, toiletries, and nonperishable foods — everything you could think of from dog food to baby food.”
The items in need will be delivered to a South Georgia church on Saturday for distribution to an area that was one of the hardest hit by the storms.
“The response from the horsemen and track employees has been overwhelming,” Valiante said. “They have been incredibly generous and completely filled the front and back of a pick-up truck. Those who lost their homes have a long road to recovery, but I’m inspired and take pride in seeing how our community has come together in support.”