How We Can Help Victims of the Recent Tornadoes

Picture: AP Source: AP

The recent tornadoes in the south are the worst the US have seen in over 35 years.  Over 200 people were killed & areas, such as in Tuscaloosa, Alabama (pictured above) were left in ruins.  

This was a scary time for our Southern neighbors & the heartbreaking pictures show just how bad the damage truly is. I cannot imagine having my house, my neighborhood, my car-everything-taken away in a matter of seconds. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways we can help those affected by the storms.  I urge all of us to evaluate our ability to give-anything will be appreciated, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. 

How We Can Help:

• Give Blood. The Red Cross has multiple locations around the country & they make it very easy for those looking to donate blood. I was so surprised to read that only 38% of Americans are eligible to donate blood & of that, only 8% do! That is only 3 out of every 100 people who actually give blood. So if possible, please, head to your local American Red Cross location & give a pint!

• Donate the Basic Necessities. When such a horrible tragedy occurs, the victims are in desperate need of the basic necessities of life. 
• toothpaste
  toothbrushes
  shampoo
  conditioner
  soap
  deodorant
  dishwashing soap
  laundry detergent
  hand sanitizer
  clothing in all sizes
  shoes in all sizes
  blankets
  small toys for displaced children
  ziploc bags
  bandaids and other first aid products
  femine products
  baby formula
  diapers
  baby food
  toilet paper
  Kleenex
  food
  individual juices
  pet food and treats
  etc 

And for me, I feel an obligation to send these types of items, especially because I have accumulated a large stockpile of items because of couponing & living frugally. So, search your pantry, your closets, your garage, etc & consider sending any extra items to the victims of the storms. 

Here is one location I have heard about:

1. Disaster Relief c/o First Baptist Church of Moody
   902 Church Street   
   Moody, AL 35004
   
    

• Donate Money.  If you feel led, you can also make a monetary donation to Samaritan's Purse Disaster Relief.  

If you know of any other locations accepting & distributing donations, feel free to leave them in the comments or send me an email.

 

 

“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”  Romans 12:13