Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce Andy Gipson announced the old National Guard Armory, located on the Mississippi State Fairgrounds, will open today at 10:00 a.m. to receive donations from the public to assist those affected by the winter ice storm.
“As we keep praying for those without heat or power in this cold, we are also planning to help,” said Commissioner Gipson. “Beginning at 10:00 a.m. this morning, I have directed the old National Guard Armory on the State Fairgrounds be opened to receive donations from concerned members of the public to assist those affected by Winter Storm Fern, especially in North Mississippi.”
The Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s (MDAC) team will be collecting bottled water; nonperishable food items, such as soup and other canned goods; can openers; baby diapers and formula; propane cook stoves and propane bottles; and basic essential paper products to be delivered to North Mississippi as soon as roads are safe and passable.
Concerned members of the public, as well as churches and nonprofits, can deliver donations to the Old Armory. MDAC is partnering with MEMA to assist in the delivery of these items to communities with pressing needs across North Mississippi.
The Armory will be open today, Monday, January 26, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For the remainder of the week, Tuesday through Friday, operating hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Deliveries will be received and distributed throughout the week to ensure assistance reaches those with the greatest need.