Vincent and Donna Robertson: Serving From Day One
Volunteers at the Disaster Relief/Red Cross Shelter at the Multi-Purpose Building in Coffeeville pause during Winter Storm Fern recovery efforts. Front row, from left: Donna Robertson, Kevin Robertson and Vincent Robertson. Back row: Braxton Robertson and Larry Harrelson.
When Winter Storm Fern hit Yalobusha County, Vincent and Donna Robertson didn’t wait to be asked. They showed up.
The Robertsons arrived at the Disaster Relief/Red Cross Shelter at the Multi-Purpose Building in Coffeeville on the very first day it opened, before the storm’s full impact had even settled in — and they’ve been there ever since.
“Missy (Burney) called and asked if I could help, and I came down. Then I called my husband, and he came too,” Donna explained.
Vincent Robertson soon arrived with their family and friends — including sons Kevin and Braxton Robertson and friend Larry Harrelson — providing valuable manpower during the shelter’s earliest and most difficult days.
Since that first day, Vincent and Donna have worked every day, often from early morning until late at night.
“Sometimes 8 or 9 o’clock, sometimes later,” Vincent said. “Then you get back up and do it again.”
Despite health challenges — Vincent is diabetic, has heart issues and retired early for medical reasons — he said he helps as long as he physically can.
“As long as I can help somebody, I’m going to try,” he said.
Donna, who retired last year after working in a school cafeteria, said she still subs when needed but has devoted her time to the shelter throughout the storm response.Asked what has stood out most during their time at the shelter, both immediately pointed to children.
“Babies,” Donna said. “Some came in with nothing — no diapers, no wipes, no formula. We wanted to make sure they had what they needed.”
She said children arrived without coats, socks or blankets.
“They can’t fend for themselves,” she said. “So we make sure they’ve got jackets, blankets, water — whatever they need.”
The shelter has also served elderly residents, many homebound, some dependent on oxygen or medical equipment.
When asked what motivated them to help, Vincent’s answer was simple.
“God,” he said. “God told me to go help.”
He added that he doesn’t serve for recognition or praise.
“I do what He tells me to do,” Vincent said. “That’s it.”
Donna echoed that faith-driven mindset.
“Our purpose is to serve,” she said.
How the shelter works
Day to day, the shelter has provided meals, clothing, blankets, water, jackets and essential supplies, with volunteers adapting as needs changed.
In the early days, only a handful of volunteers were present. As word spread, more help arrived — including local residents, civic groups like the Lions Club, and volunteers from as far away as Louisiana, Tennessee, North Carolina and beyond.
One of the most effective tools, Donna said, has been snack packs for children.
“You give a child one of those, and you see a smile,” she said. “That makes it worth it.”
The Robertsons praised the professionalism of Red Cross staff and the support of local organizations, churches and nonprofits.
They also credited Yalobusha County Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch and his deputies, who helped transport supplies, deliver food and assist families in need.
“Everybody has pulled together,” Donna said. “People helping people they didn’t even know.”
How long will they stay?
When asked how long they plan to continue volunteering, Vincent didn’t hesitate.
“I’ll be here till it’s over,” he said. “Or until I fall.”
As recovery continues and conditions slowly improve across the county, Vincent and Donna remain at the shelter — quietly doing the work that needs to be done.
Their story is one of many, but it reflects the heart of this response.
