Donate.

Charlotte and I volunteered at Temporary Emergency Services this morning for as long as she could stand.  The amount of donations rolling in is staggering.  They need your help if you are looking for a place to volunteer.

Toiletries are needed.  Think about what you use on a daily basis.  Those are great items to donate.

NEW underwear for all sizes and genders:  toddlers, children, adults.

Diapers, wipes, baby food, formula.  Any baby item.  Let's keep those babies happy. 

If you make a donation, your generosity is appreciated, but PLEASE:
Sort and label the items you are donating.  This helps get your items to the victims more quickly.
Do not donate old underwear.  Nobody wants it.  Seriously.
Donate clothing that is in season.  A winter coat will not do any good in 80 degree weather.

Visit http://www.givetuscaloosa.com for donation drop-off points
Call 211 (within Alabama) if you are looking for a place to volunteer.

Help Tuscaloosa

As many of you know, a devastating tornado tore through the Southeast on Wednesday, April 27, and decimated highly populated areas of Tuscaloosa.  Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to rubble and sadly, this was a very deadly storm and the death toll, right now at 39, may still rise.  More than 1,000 people were injured and 458 are still missing.  My family is fine; our area was untouched by the storm.  But so many survivors have lost their homes and all of their possessions.

This disaster has shown how awesome Tuscaloosans and our neighbors are; the number of volunteers is so overwhelming that some are being turned away.  The community has a long road ahead and there will be a need for volunteers and supplies for some time.  If you are in Alabama and would like to volunteer, call 211 for more information.

Items are needed immediately for victims and volunteers.  Some of you are far away, but if you would like to make a donation, I can provide you with contact information for reputable organizations.  I can also accept any donations to deliver to the appropriate places.

These are some things that are needed:

Bottled water, non-perishable food, can openers

Baby Products:  diapers, wipes, baby formula, bottles, pacifiers, blankets, clothing

Personal Hygiene and Health Care:  toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, soap, lip balm, feminine products, sunscreen, bandages, medicines, etc.

Clothing:  all sizes, socks, new underwear

Bedding, towels, washcloths

Tarps

Monetary donations are also needed.  You can text "FOOD" to 27722 to donate $10 to the West Alabama Food Bank.  Text 90999 to donate $10 to the Red Cross.  Make a donation via credit card to the United Way of West Alabama.  Send gift cards for victims:  Target, Lowes, Home Depot, department stores, etc.

Any help will be sincerely appreciated by the Tuscaloosa community.

Links from The Tuscaloosa News:
Want to help?
Before/after satellite photos
The storm's path