Hartselle natives collecting donations for Panama City Beach
Terry and Melissa Silas are Hartselle natives back home to evacuate from Hurricane Michael. The couple and their two children are currently staying with family in Hartselle until they can safely return home to Panama City Beach. Before going back, the Silases hope to gather supplies for their community.
Through their neighborhood Facebook page, the Silases have seen that their home and neighborhood have received damage. Melissa said they were able to see their home briefly when a neighbor posted a video while driving around their community.”From what we can see, our fence and roof was damaged,” Melissa said.
The Silases are planning to return home with the donations on Thursday if the city has cleared it for residents to come back. Melissa said the most important would be tarps for the roofs, water, non-perishable foods, gas, batteries, baby items, staple guns and staples for the tarps and candles.
Melissa says that school supplies will also be needed due to damage to some of the buildings. “Several schools have been demolished,” Melissa said.
After the Silases return to their home, their families will work to create a drop off location for additional supplies. “My parents will continue to take donations and supplies,” Melissa said.
Both Melissa and Terry are Hartselle High School alumni and transferred to Panama City due to Terry’s job. “I was born and raised in Hartselle,” Melissa said.
Those interested in donating supplies, can contact Melissa through Facebook. Melissa said she is also working to set up a donation site soon, and will post updates there.
Update 10/11
The Silases will be at West End United Methodist Church from 3 p.m. to 6 or 7 p.m. today. They will be collecting all donations and supplies. The church is located at 514 Saint Clair Street.