More than two dozen businesses, along with residents in Marlboro County, are reaching out to tornado victims in Joplin, Missouri.
They started loading a tractor trailer with all sorts of donations for the victims Friday. So far, they've collected toiletries, several cases of water, blankets, and canned goods. They've also raised nearly $3,000 in donations.
In 1984, Marlboro County was hit with a tornado that destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses. Residents say they have been through what the people of Joplin are dealing with and they wanted to do something to help.
B&P Incorporated headed up the effort and officials of the company say they are surprised at how it took off. Several major companies including Lowe's of Florence, Walmart of Laurinburg, Pepsi of Bennettsville and Sam's of Florence all pitched in and made donations. SAIA Motor Freight donated the tractor trailer and is driving it down to Joplin, Missouri for free.
McArthur's Farm on in Bennettsville is donating one dollar out of all of its ice cream sales to help the tornado victims.
The truck is expected to head to Missouri some time next week.
