Nonprofits, businesses feed search volunteers

Tom Mapes, public information officer for the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, said the outpouring of support in the search for 2-year-old Noah Chamberlin is almost overwhelming. Noah, who has been missing since around 1:20 p.m. Thursday, was last seen in the woods behind his grandparents’ home in Pinson.

Mapes said that Thursday night, during the initial search, representatives from Hardin County, McNairy County, Madison County and as even as far as Memphis and Nashville aided in the search.

“And as the day goes longer we see so many contributions of food and drinks and encouragement from the community, the business community providing food,” Mapes said. “It’s just a great show of unity and concern.

“It’s a sad way to bring a community together, but it’s a joy to see it happening.”

Barbara Grant with the Hardeman County Crisis Team said they found out early this morning about the search for the missing toddler and knew they had to help.

The nonprofit made up of Hardeman County area Baptist churches has offered to cook for the first responders and volunteers at the command center at Pinson Baptist Church, next door to where volunteers are gathering at the old Pinson school.

Volunteers begin to help in Noah Chamberlin search

“The church I guess is already taking care of the noon meal and we’re going to start doing the supper meal and breakfast in the morning,” Grant said. “And pray that they’ll find the child before then.”

Grant said she can relate to the grandmother, who authorities have said was walking in the woods with Noah and his 4-year-old sister when the toddler wandered off.

“Anything that we can do to help,” Grant said. “I know this grandmother is devastated because I’m a grandmother and I know how I would feel.”

Reach Josh at (731) 425-9636. Follow him on Twitter: @JSWriterJosh.