MYRTLEWOOD – Although The New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church is small in numbers, the hearts of the congregation are big.

According to member, Sandra Charleston, the church was able to raise $1,437 for Hurricane Katrina and Rita victims.

“We had about seven singing groups from surrounding areas,” she said. “Groups came from Tuscaloosa, Eutaw, Linden and Demopolis.”

She said the money will go to anyone affected by the storms, including Alabama residents, as long as they show identification and where they are from.

“They have to fill out an application and they can get those from me or my wife,” Frank Charleston, pastor, said. “Once we get all the applications at the due date, we will disburse the money.”

Pastor Charleston and his wife will accept applications and additional donations until October 29.

He said he saw the event happening and everything worked out well with the high levels of excitement and participation.

“I just had a vision, ” he said. “So we worked to get the groups together and it turned out nice.”

To make a donation or to get an application, call Pastor Charleston at (334) 289-7151.