“It’s something that we all take for granted. We turn our tap on and our water comes out and it’s clean. So to see people who have such an urgent need, not have such as basic necessity, it’s just incredible that the community came together so quickly … and made some donations,” Smoot said.
High levels of lead has been detected in tap water in Flint, beginning April 2014. Even small amounts of lead can cause serious health problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
President Barack Obama has signed an emergency declaration that will lead to federal aid to help with Flint’s water crisis.
Smoot said the barbershop at 1877 S. Limestone will continue to accept donations through Saturday morning. Smoot said he will also pickup water for those unable to bring bottles to his shop. Angels of Wings will arrive at 10 a.m. Saturday.
Monetary donation to go toward the purchase of bottled water is also accepted, Smoot said.
“There’s water coming from all over the nation … The fact that Springfield can help out I think is fantastic,” Smoot said.
Smoot said he decided to get involved because he wants to help those in need.
“People need it. Water being such a basic necessity. If there’s someone in need and there’s people like us that can come together and go make a small donation to help out someone with such a dire need, I can’t think of why not to do it,” he said.
Donors have included local residents and businesses such as the Springfield Broncos, Second in Command, Southwest Titans, and Dayton organizations such as Angels with Wings, Black Business Owners Circle, he said.
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