Video: Tupelo Teenager Gives Money To Tornado Ravaged Churches

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TUPELO, MISS. (WCBI ) – Four Tupelo churches that were damaged in April’s tornado are receiving unexpected donations from a teenager who wanted to make a difference.

13-year old Shields Haire rode out the April 28th tornado in the basement of his Joyner area home,with his dog Scout and his grandparents.

The twister flattened 26 trees on the Haire property. Shields learned that four nearby churches were either destroyed or damaged, so he came up with an idea and contacted his parents, who were on vacation.

“My parents were in Hawaii,they were about to board, I called them and I said, ‘Well, I want to make a t shirt and I want all the money to go to damaged or destroyed churches here in Tupelo, because they give so much to others,'” Haire said.

So Shields came up with a design. On the front,the slogan, “Tupelo Strong” along with Psalms 3:3, “But You Oh Lord are a shield about me, My glory and the One who lifts up my head.”

“We were thinking of something that, a psalm that would protect, you, how God protected you during the storm,” Haire said.

The Tupelo Middle School student, with the help of his parents, ordered hundreds of shirts,and Shields began selling them through social media, word of mouth,and at community events.

Most of the shirts have been sold and Sunday, Shields gave St. Luke United Methodist Church a check for almost $2,000.

St Luke’s pastor sees far more in the teen’s gesture.

“I believe it’s a tangible sign, as much as the gift itself, there’s something inspiring about that, that touches our hearts, gives us hope,” said Dr. Rick Brooks,pastor of St. Luke UMC.

Out of the April 28th tragedy, Shields sees a new sense of unity.

“I believe that everyone should work together to make this even better. I think this tornado and the help has brought more people together,” he said.

Shields will also present checks to St James Catholic Church; First Christian Church, and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.