Deadly tornadoes swept across the Southern region on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, claiming the lives of more than 250, leaving many without homes, and raising a number of individuals unaccounted for.
“Its beyond sad,” said Tereshia Huffman, former Birmingham, AL native. “People are without homes, food and some can't even find loved ones. It makes you feel so blessed to have what you have, but at the same time so helpless.
During the treacherous rampage, Alabama held the highest number of fatalities of at least 131. The destructive storm spread rapidly across the state throughout various cities and communities including Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Alberta City, Pleasant Grove, Hueytown, Fultondale, Gardendale, and Pratt City, to name a few. As meteorologists continued to report the path of the storm on Wednesday evening, many were skeptical of its potential, but as more people attested for the damage caused, many began to hope it was all a bad dream.
“Houses are destroyed,” said Amber Whitfield, Human Development and Family Studies major at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. “In Alberta and most of 15th street, everybody is walking to get anywhere.”
Many are heartbroken because the places they once referred to as their hometown filled with various childhood memories and neighborhood friends, is now barren and no more.
“All of the trees are gone, all of the houses are gone, and in some places there are only stairs where homes used to be,” said Terralynn Grayson, former native of Pratt City, AL.
Yesterday’s eventful activity left many in awe and others in disbelief that something so disastrous could occur in their very own community. From the multiple severed neighborhoods to the flattened apartment homes, many can't help but get a sense of deja vu from recollecting the horrid day of many lives, homes, and businesses being lost in New Orleans, Louisiana during the frightening Hurricane Katrina aftermath. As those affected by the storm hope to regain strength and valuable items from what used to be their home, it seems like their worries will never be over.
“Almost every street is blocked off, trees are down everywhere, and there's no power,” said Mallory Shank, Elementary Education major at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. “I heard it may not be any [power] until the weekend.”
Due to the terror that spread throughout the Southern region, particularly on yesterday evening, President Barack Obama declared a State of Emergency, while also sending FEMA assistance to the affected areas. It is reported that President Obama will be visiting the state of Alabama on Friday, April 29, 2011.
In lieu of Wednesday's catastrophic occurrence, it's only natural that individuals near and far will be more than willing to do their part in extending a helping hand to those in need. In order to allow this blog to be a vital source in preparing what entities are available for individuals to donate during this trying time, below is a list of several groups and organizations that will be collecting and providing services to those affected by yesterday's aftermath.
Andalusia Area
- Trailer will be loaded at M&S Trucking 2579 Elba, AL 36323 for Tuscaloosa victims
*Bring non-perishable items
Birmingham Area
- The 95.7 Jamz Skool of Hip Hop will create “Start Over Kits”Contact: Dana C. “Woo” Woodruff @ 205-447-0575
- The 95.7 Jamz Skool of Hip Hop “Food and Bottled Water Drive”Today at 5:00 pm and all day tomorrow. Winn Dixie on Bessemer Road.
- All “Marty's & City Gear” locations
- Natural Elements Hair Salon-1905 Bessemer Road.
- Hall Printing-701 19th Street Ensley.
- Cash Connection-2119 5th Avenue North
- Schaeffer Eye Center Crawfish Boil
- Salvation Army Volunteer Line-205-328-2420Text “GIVE” to 80880 to make a $10.00 donationChecks can be mailed to:The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 10039, Atlanta, GA. 30384-0339
- Boutwell Auditorium-1930 8th Avenue North
- Hands On Birmingham-www.handsonbirmingham.org
Birmingham Baptist Association
- Volunteers Needed.Contact: 205-599-3245
Calera Area
- Concord Baptist Church-11215 Hwy 22, Calera ALFrom 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Chelsea Area
- Relief Unit for TuscaloosaContact: 205-641-5246
Fultondale Area
- Volunteers Needed at Fultondale Police Department.Those requesting help, please go to Fultondale Public Library.
Hoover Area
- Fox 6 and Bruno's SupermarketStarting at 2:30 pm
Hueytown Area
1. Taylor Bug's-1355 Hueytown Road
Contact: 205-491-2849
Leeds Area
1. Cedar Grove will provide dinner to those in need. Opens at 5:00 pm.
Contact: 205-699-8446
Moody Area
- Volunteers Needed.Contact: Christa Hawkins or Gia Wanninger 205-910-1628/205-527-2462
Pelham Area
- Oak Mountain Community Church899 Oak Mountain Park Road, Pelham, AL 35124
Tuscaloosa
- Image Makers Salon-University Blvd.Contact: 205-366-1986
United Way of Alabama
- Volunteers Needed.Contact: 211
Woodlawn Area
- The Birmingham Dream Center
