Spalding County opens volunteer, donated goods center after devastating storm

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - The storms on Thursday caused severe damage to multiple locations across Georgia.

Griffin was one of the hardest hit areas. The Hobby Lobby located in Spalding Village was reportedly hit by a tornado.

From pictures and videos taken at the location, the ceiling of the Hobby Lobby collapsed, and large metal debris could be seen scattered all over the ground.

The store is closed, and the parking lot remains empty.

Right across the street at Walmart, there were multiple cars flipped over. No injuries were reported from either location.

There are reports of damage throughout the entire shopping center, including structural damage to the Dollar Tree store, which is right down from Walmart.

The National Weather Service is expected to visit Spalding County to survey the damages later Friday.

Gov. Brain Kemp held a news conference Friday morning to address the tornadoes that made their way through the state. Kemp declared a State of Emergency for Georgia, including Griffin-Spalding County.

Spalding County Emergency Management (SEMA) also gave an update Friday. SEMA Director Glenn Polk said he activated Spalding County’s Emergency Operation Center Thursday afternoon, and first responders from surrounding counties have been arriving throughout the night to help local responders with recovery efforts.

According to Polk, there are confirmed injuries, as well as extensive property damage throughout the county.

For those seeking resources, donations, and volunteer information: Red Cross has opened a local shelter at First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive in Griffin. There is more information available on site.

The Griffin-Spalding County Donation Center will open for receiving Friday from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. at 220 East Solomon St. They are requesting donations of non-perishable food items, gift cards, toiletries, and other personal items. No clothing will be accepted. If you need assistance or for more information, please call 678-453-4508 starting at 2 p.m. Friday. Additional volunteer opportunities will be announced later today.

“We greatly appreciate the public’s interest and concern for our community,” said Polk. “For now, staying home so first responders can continue recovery efforts is best. We will continue to provide updates as we receive them.”

Griffin-Spalding Tornado Relief

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