THOMASVILLE — Hurricane Micheal left some Southwest Georgia counties in shreds and shambles.

Efforts by Second Harvest of Georgia to aid storm victims was enhanced this week by a $20,000 donation from AgGeorgia Farm Credit and Southwest Georgia Farm Credit, along with CoBank.

The money will go toward short- and long-term disaster relief, said Eliza McCall, Second Harvest chief marketing officer.

Of the 30 Southwest Georgia counties served by Second Harvest, Seminole County now has the greatest storm-related needs, McCall said.

Some Seminole County residents did not have water until last week. 

“I think some of them are still waiting,” McCall said.

Recent torrential rain is pouring into houses that have holes in the roofs, McCall said.

Food and school supplies for Seminole County are the biggest needs now, she said.

“We’re focusing on those two efforts,” McCall said.

Second Harvest is the leading hunger relief organization in the region and the second largest food bank in Georgia.

“We’re thankful to CoBank for matching our gift, and for recognizing that our communities need assistance following the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael,” said Allen Corbin, relationship manager at Southwest Georgia Farm Credit’s Thomasville office. “Agriculture plays such a vital role in communities throughout Southwest Georgia that this donation is one small gesture we can make to help our small towns heal.”

It is hoped the donation will help keep pantries full during the holidays and bring much needed joy to area families, said Corey Cottle, director of marketing at AgGeorgia Farm Credit.

“We are humbled to be able to make this gift, and thankful to CoBank for recognizing the need in our communities,” Cottle said.

CoBank is a co-operative bank providing loans, leases, expert financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 70,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states nationwide.

AgGeorgia Farm Credit is headquartered in Perry, while Southwest Georgia Farm Credit is headquartered in Bainbridge.

Both associations serve farmers, farm businesses, land and rural property owners, providing competitive lending and expert financial services. Together, CoBank, AgGeorgia Farm Credit and Southwest Georgia Farm Credit represent a part of the Farm Credit System, which has been dedicated to agriculture and rural communities for more than 100 years.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820