NMCRS Millington Provides $140,000 in Assistance to Flood Victims

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ronda Lyn Spaulding, Naval Support Activity Mid-South Public Affairs

May 10, 2010 - MILLINGTON, Tenn. (NNS) -- The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) Millington office has provided nearly 250 families with financial assistance after the May 1 storm and severe flooding which displaced more than 300 families.

Melissa Cantu, NMCRS Millington office director said the assistance came in the form of $600 checks to families and $300 checks to single Sailors. She also said that more than $140,000 has been awarded through the Millington NMCRS.

"Some of these families lost everything; their houses were under 4-5 feet of water," Cantu said. "They lost their vehicles, their clothing and, their food. Through us, they were able to get enough to get by."

Cantu said the money distributed is designed to provide individuals a means through which to get basic necessities, and will be repaid through an allotment scheduled to begin in August. Cantu added that when she realized the seriousness of the situation, she immediately contacted the NSA Mid-South Emergency Management Office in an effort to determine when she could start disseminating funds to individuals affected by the flooding. She added that families have been grateful for the assistance they have received.

"We've had several families that have come in and have been so thankful that we've been there for them," she said. "With this, they can get their children some clothes to go back to school. We have always tried to be on the ground and in first response as quickly as possible. And we're always here to help."