This story submitted by Robert Houston.

In the aftermath of the Feb. 10 tornadoes in Hattiesburg, people near and far were compelled to contribute to relief efforts in the area.

On Feb. 16, a group of 30 Southern Miss alumni, who reside in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, coordinated a tornado relief assistance drive at a local church to collect goods and monetary donations that will assist Hattiesburg residents as they clean up and rebuild. After a day’s work, the alumni packed a large SUV with canned foods, diapers, cleaning supplies and 228 personal hygiene kits, sponsored by World Vision. Along with $300 worth of donations, the group felt accomplished as they watched the truck leave en route to Hattiesburg.

“At Southern Miss, we’re truly a family,” explained Constance Cash. “Whether you graduated in 1980 or 2010, Hattiesburg feels like home and when your home cries for help, you don’t hesitate to answer the call.”