GLOSTER, Miss.—Drax Biomass, one of the largest employers in Amite County, has donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross Mississippi Region to assist with flood-related disaster relief efforts in Southwest Mississippi and Louisiana. The Red Cross is working closely with federal, state and local agencies, as well as other non-profit organizations, to coordinate relief efforts and meet the needs of those affected by the flooding.
The flooding was triggered by torrential downpours that dropped up to 24 inches of rain across parts of the region last Thursday and Friday. According to official reports, 40,000 homes were damaged, 20,000 water rescues were conducted and 11,000 people were forced into temporary shelters. The Red Cross has described this event as the worst natural disaster since Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and it continues to work alongside other aid organizations to mobilize volunteers and resources from around the country to provide food, shelter and comfort to those in need.
“We are deeply saddened by the flood’s devastating effects on our employees, our contractors and members of the local community,”
said Alex Swift, plant manager for Drax Biomass’s Amite BioEnergy facility in Gloster.
“We salute the Red Cross, first responders and other aid organizations for their efforts during this tragedy, and we intend to support them in any way we can.”
The donation is part of Drax Biomass’s community outreach campaign, an initiative to promote economic development and social well-being in communities surrounding the company’s facilities. Drax Biomass is also coordinating with local officials to deliver bottled water to affected residents in Gloster.
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About Drax Biomass Inc.
Drax Biomass Inc., a subsidiary of UK-based Drax Group plc, is a manufacturer of compressed wood pellets produced from sustainably managed working forests. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA with operations across the Southeastern US, we employ innovative manufacturing techniques to produce high quality pellets that can be shipped safely and efficiently around the world for use as a renewable, low-carbon fuel. Our pellets allow electric utilities to reduce their dependence on coal, lower carbon emissions and provide new sources of safe, reliable and affordable power. Led by an experienced team of operations professionals, Drax Biomass is committed to supporting the communities in which we operate by promoting sustainable forestry and investing in local economic development.
