Feb 8, 20232 min read

Air Force Airmen Help WIT Distribute 29,000 Pounds of Food, Sanitary Pads, Tampons & Other Products

Updated: Jul 13, 2023

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided supplies

Women in Training volunteers distributed nearly 29,000 pounds of packaged food, sanitary pads, tampons and other dental and hygiene supplies to women, girls and other menstruators affected by the recent tornadoes in Selma on Thursday, February 2, 2023. Volunteers from the United States Air Force delivered the supplies to the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma for distribution to the community.

MSgt Ashley Marshall from Maxwell Air Force Base led the volunteer disaster relief operation.

“When our sisters and brothers are in need, it is so important to answer the call and give, for we are our brothers’ keeper,” said Claudia Mitchell, Montgomery School Board Member and Vice President of Women in Training, Inc.

Montgomery School Board Member Claudia Mitchell, who also volunteers as the Women in Training Vice President, generously secured the WIT warehouse space that houses the supplies.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provided a 53-foot truck load of supplies for this disaster relief project. The supplies could serve 672 families in need.

“The Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints is happy to help provide feminine hygiene products for Women in Training,” said Jared McLaughlin, President of the Montgomery, Alabama Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. “We recognize this need is often overlooked and we are grateful to help provide the needed products, especially in this time of need.”

On the top left is Jared McLaughlin, President of the Montgomery, Alabama Stake, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who came to support the disaster relief effort. The five young missionaries in the middle photo, up top, are: Elder Akhalu, Elder Harrop, Elder Allison, Elder Bushman and Elder South. On the far right, up top, is Malcolm Sullivan.

Master Sergeant Ashley Marshall, Airmen Development Advisor at Maxwell Air Force Base, managed the volunteer operation.

Food items in the disaster relief packs included protein sources, such as canned tuna fish, beef stew, chili, chicken noodle soup and peanut butter; fruits, such as canned peaches and raisins; cereal and granola bars; and powdered milk. Hygiene supplies included sanitary pads, tampons, disposable baby diapers, wet wipes and rolls of toilet paper.

Presiding Deacon Sam Lett, MD, received the disaster relief supplies on behalf of the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church.

"Tabernacle Baptist Church in Selma was more than happy for the church administration to assist in delivery of food items and supplies to the victims of the tornado," Dr. Lett said. "Women in Training provided the help with extraordinary spirits. Thanks to all who arranged for the food and hygiene articles to be delivered to the church. We will never forget you. God bless and take care."

Presiding Deacon Sam Lett, MD, of the Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church with Adeyela Bennett of WIT.

Missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as community volunteers, supported this event. Ms. Cassandra Williams-Wansley of Phenix City, Alabama, performed the heroic task of driving the supply-laden truck from Montgomery to Selma.

Auburn University of Montgomery senior, Hannah Cooper, brought her aunt, Cassandra Williams-Wansley, and cousin, Cobie Wansley, to volunteer for the disaster relief effort. Mrs. Williams-Wansley drove the truck to Selma!