A week ago today, the southern United States experienced one of the most devastating and destructive tornado days in our nation’s history. While there has been plenty of world news competing for our attention over this past week, we cannot–and must not–forget what is happening here at home.
My dear friend Beth lives outside of Birmingham, Alabama, and I thank God that she and her family are okay. Sadly, many of her neighbors were not spared as Alabama became the hardest hit state during last week’s tornado outbreak. Hundreds of people have lost their lives, hundreds more are still missing, and countless properties have been destroyed with homes, business and schools leveled to the ground.
I know it may seem overwhelming or confusing during times like this to figure out what you can do to help, so here are a few simple options to choose from:
- Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross (or click link to donate online). Once you send your text you will receive a reply asking to confirm your donation by texting “YES.” A moment later you will receive another message asking if you’d like to specify how your donation should be used. Reply with the corresponding number (for me it was #1) to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your $10 one-time donation will be added to your cell phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance.
- Text “TORNADO” to 50555 to donate $10 to The United Way Central Alabama Tornado Disaster Fund (or click link to donate online). Once you send your text you will receive a reply asking to confirm your donation by texting “YES.” Your $10 one-time donation will be added to your cell phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance.
- Text “FOOD” to 27722 to donate $10 to the West Alabama Food Bank. Once you send your text you will receive a reply asking to confirm your donation by texting “YES.” Your $10 one-time donation will be added to your cell phone bill or deducted from your prepaid balance.
-
Go shopping! Organizations like Christian Service Mission, a nonprofit organization in Birmingham, AL, are currently collecting and distributing donated items to families in need (follow them on Facebook or Twitter for up-to-date lists of most needed items). Out-of-towners can purchase needed supplies online using the Alabama Tornado Support and Relief Wishlist
created by my friend Beth on Amazon.com. Your online purchases from this list will be shipped to Christian Service Mission for distribution.
- Help tornado pet victims by donating money, supplies, and/or your time to the Greater Birmingham Humane Society.
- Spread the word. I believe there are tons of people out there who want to help but they’re just not sure how to begin. Please show them how easy it is to contribute to Alabama tornado relief efforts by sharing this on Facebook, Twitter, or your blog. Send it to all your email contacts and ask them to forward it on as well.
- Visit Alabama Possible for a list of even more ways you can give, volunteer, and advocate for tornado relief efforts.
I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Alabama, and the honor and privilege of calling one of its residents a beloved best friend. I’ve experienced firsthand the kind of Southern support and hospitality you may have only seen acted out in old movies, and I’m telling you–it’s the real deal. Right now Alabama needs you to be there for them…and I can assure you that someday, when the time comes, Alabama will be there for you too.
Thank you in advance for your support and continued efforts.
Posted the text number to my facebook. I’m glad your friend and her family are safe. What horrible devastation.
Thank you for this. I wasn’t aware of these easy options for helping send money. I will do the Red Cross one this afternoon.
You are a good person/blogger!
jbhat
Who knew it could be so easy to help!? Thanks for this information!! It is very much appreciated!
I still can’t believe what a nightmare it is for our countrymen in the south. Its unreal.
Thank you so much for putting this on your blog and bringing attention to the devestation here. I lived in one of the worse hit areas and it’s heartbreaking. However, I know that with God’s help, generous people, and the kindness of neighbors and strangers that Alabama will get through this. Thanks again.
Thanks for posting this. I live in Alabama (south of the parts that were hit so hard) and it is really sad. So many have lost so much. Thanks again for reaching to our State.
Thanks for posting this. I went to law school in AL and still know a lot of people there. MS was hard hit too, with many dead. My office took up a collection last week for the victims, and went and bought diapers with the $ collected.
Thank you for this post.
Thanks for posting this. I donated to United Way Central Alabama.
Thank you so much for posting this. I’ve been reading your blog for over a year now. After I finished undergrad in Austin last May, I moved to Tuscaloosa to pursue my Ph.D.
I was about half a mile from the EF4 tornado that came through town. It was absolutely terrifying, and the devastation here is unbelievable. I had a friend who was separated for over 27 hours from her husband, with both not knowing if the other was okay because there was no way to get in touch. Her husband was in their house, which was pummeled by an airborne Krispy Kreme truck. He luckily survived (he was in the bathtub with a mattress over him, with his pets tethered by leash) and was able to crawl out of the rubble with only a few scratches. This is just one story of 1000s. I’ve heard reports of children being sucked out of their parents’ arms, to never be seen again. It’s heartbreaking. Tuscaloosa and the rest of the South devastated by the storms desperately need help now and in the coming months. We have received an outpouring of love and help from all around the world, and are worried that the help might die down once the shock and media coverage wears off. The road to recovery will be a very, very long process, and prayers and any other forms of support are tremendously appreciated.
Again, thank you so much for posting this. I’m glad your friend also made it out physically okay.
Dustykins. I love you so much. Thank you for sharing this! It’s going to be a long road but I have no doubt we will come back stronger and even more resilient than ever! Thank you SO much to everyone out there who has donated to help out the victims of this storm. Love to all of you as well!
Thanks for posting. I live in North Alabama and we are just now getting power back on (over a week later!). The local communities are really working together to rebuild, but it is so nice to know that you have recognized us on your blog. How encouraging to know you care enough to support us here. It is amazing how connected we are through the blog-o-sphere. Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers.
So excited to have found your blog, your home and family are beautiful!