As most of you know, a monster storm that produced almost 200 tornados hit the south this past Wednesday, April 27. I have watched all of 1 video amongst the thousands of footage taken of the tornados because it absolutely hurts my heart to have to see what those people were going through that night. I've avoided thoroughly reading the damage that's been caused because it's almost as though not knowing all the details have kept me from breaking down. But I do know that the tornados have taken over 300 lives, wiped out communities and that close to 600 people have been reported missing.
As today is the 1 year anniversary of the historical and tragic flood that hit Nashville last year, I know we are thinking about how our communities came together to bring fast restoration and relief to those who were affected. As burdening and overwhelming as the flood was to our communities, I cannot imagine what the communities are going through who have suffered from the tornados that hit parts of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. I heard on the news last night that at one point, one of the tornados stayed on the ground for almost 80 miles. I can't even fathom such a storm... but I do know that it is a storm that has made American history, and that is history that you wish never had to be made. So I encourage you to remember the strength our Nashville and surrounding communities formed by coming together to relieve the damage and losses of the flood, and let's find that strength again to be there for our neighbors in the south.
I've listed some sites that you can search and find ways to help:
- Nashvillest has put together a list of sites to check for opportunities to serve in the disaster relief. View that list by clicking
here.
- Hands on Birmingham: find a list of shelter needs, be a part of missing person searches, volunteer in Tuscaloosa and Jefferson County. Click
here (find tab labeled "Tornado Relief" and sign up as a volunteer. Hands on Birmingham will send constant updated emails to your address with relief projects as they are formed. You will also receive lists of donation needs. Projects will fill fast, as they did with the Nashville May flood, so you will need to literally sign up for the projects you choose...)
- World Vision donation site is here "URGENT: World Vision is responding to the devastation left by deadly storms in Alabama, Oklahoma, North Carolina, and Mississippi, as well as the levy break in Missouri. We are working with local partners to distribute first aid kits, hygiene supplies, and other essential products to some of the hardest hit communities. An assessment team is also preparing to survey the damage in Alabama and look for ways to partner with churches and other local organizations to help the most vulnerable children and families."
- Here is a site on how the American Red Cross is responding to the tornado victims across the south. "If you would like to help, there are several ways that people can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief: Visit redcross.org to donate online, call 1-800-REDCROSS, or by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013."
- Alabama Possible has also created a list of ways to contribute to the disaster relief. That list can be found here
- This morning, Pastor Steve Berger of Grace Chapel (Leipers Fork) announced that the church will be getting involved in the disaster relief. If you would like to be in the know of the opportunities as they come, send a quick email to disasterresponseteam@gracechapel.net
