The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) and the City of Jackson (COJ) partnered today to host “Essentials for the Community,” a drive-thru event held at Hawkins Field Airport.
The partnership was developed to combat the effects of the ongoing water crisis on the community caused by the recent severe weather. Water and other essentials, such as face masks, hand sanitizer, and toiletries were supplied to citizens by JMAA and COJ employees, all done at a safe distance.
“It’s our way of partnering with the City and giving back to our community,” said JMAA Board Chairman Robert Martin. “There are a lot of people still in need and we’re going to do all we can, while we can.”
“Many of our airport staff were affected by the loss of water during February’s wintry storms,” stated Paul Brown, JMAA CEO. “This is an opportunity to show our strength and commitment to our community by working together, especially during a crisis.”
More than 26 pallets of water were passed out to Jackson citizens this afternoon. In addition, more than 500 bags filled with essential items including paper towels, toilet paper, flushable wipes, dishwashing and hand soap, hand sanitizer and face masks were also distributed.
“We continue to be grateful for all of the donors, partners and community members who have pulled together in this moment of crisis to help support the City of Jackson and the needs of our residents,” said Mayor Chokwe Antar Lumumba. “Many are still struggling to recover and efforts like today are still important to help our community get back on its feet.”
Thanks to Walmart, T Mobile, American Water and Cintas for joining the effort to provide the community with the essentials while the work for complete restoration of clean, safe water continues.
For more information on this event, please contact Machelle Kyles, JMAA Community Outreach Coordinator at mkyles@jmaa.com or Keyshia Sanders, COJ Constituent Services Manager at ksanders@jacksonms.gov.
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ABOUT JMAA
The Jackson Municipal Airport Authority (JMAA) operates two airports: Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport (JAN) and Hawkins Field Airport (HKS). JAN is the busiest airport in Mississippi, situated in the Central part of the state and serving the Capital region of Jackson with over 3,000 acres of property. JAN has service to several of the world’s busiest global hubs and is home to the Mississippi Air National Guard 172nd Airlift Wing. HKS is a general aviation airport and is home to the Mississippi Army National Guard 185th Aviation Brigade. The Authority provides service to over 1 million passengers per year.