Crossgates (April Windham)

    After a tragic fire April 6 at Crossgates apartments, the Mississippi State University community has joined together to provide relief for the victims.

    Becky Wilkes, director of the Oktibbeha County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said the Red Cross is available to offer immediate help for the victims.

    Wilkes said the Red Cross provides victims with debit cards with an allotment of money and vouchers to the Salvation Army and the Palmer Home.

    "Because we give people vouchers, we are only accepting monetary donations for the victims," she said.

    Bill Kibler, Vice President for Student Affairs, said there were 15 students and four faculty members displaced by the fire.

    Ann Bailey, Department of Housing and Residence Life director, said the department has identified buildings with available space for students who need places to stay.

    "We have just a handful of students who are staying right now, but we have room for more students that need housing," Bailey said.

    John Rush, MSU Foundation vice president for development and alumni, said the foundation is working to educate the community about the needs of the fire victims.

    "We have made a special place on our Web site where people can go to donate to the cause," Rush said. "The donations will go to a fund in the Department of Student Affairs and help students get the help they need."

    Thomas Bourgeois, Dean of Students, said the university has reached out to fire victims to see exactly what their needs are.

    "It is so personal, we have to deal with each person on a personal level and see what that individual needs," he said.

    Bourgeois said the Dean of Students office is available to help fire victims with any issues they may have - whether it be monetary, housing or psychological. 

 Crossgate Audio Interview by April Windham

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http://www.cdispatch.com/news/article.asp?aid=5649

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