THE SELMA TIMES-JOURNAL

The Black Belt Service Center of the American Red Cross helped 49 families burned out of their homes in Dallas County with aid totaling $24,013.60 this year.

Jakki Caldwell-Phillips hopes that’s it for the year.

She is spending the holiday season saying thanks to the people who helped her help others. Phillips recently presented Sam Golston of Brownstone Manor with a token of their appreciation.

The Red Cross receives support from United Way, the Dallas County Commission, Weaver-Parrish Trust, Bama Bud, the Dallas County Emergency Management Agency and the Red Cross board of directors.

Golston received special recognition for opening their home to Red Cross for activities, among other volunteer details.

There was one tornado to strike Dallas County in 2007, which affected families in the Five Points community. Red Cross assisted three families with nearly $2,000 in support.

The Black Belt service center covers Dallas, Perry, Wilcox and Marengo counties.