Gulfport launches relief drive for Coldwater after arctic weather

Gulfport officials are collecting donated supplies for residents of Coldwater, Mississippi, after arctic weather left the small community of about 1,300 people without reliable access to essentials, Mayor Hugh Keating said.

Officials said one local water well is down, there is no nearby grocery store and roughly 70% of residents are elderly or disabled, increasing the urgency for aid.

Gulfport is asking residents to drop off bottled water, blankets, new portable electric heaters, hygiene products, bread and canned goods at any Gulfport Fire Department station. Items must be dropped off by Sunday evening, Feb. 1, the mayor’s office said.

Mayor Keating and city staff plan to personally deliver the donations to Coldwater on Monday, officials said. Residents with questions can call the Gulfport mayor’s office at 228-868-5801. Officials said they will provide updates as more information becomes available.