Alabama Tornado Impact

The images and stories on the news following the terrible tornado outbreak across Alabama and other southern states on April 27 are difficult to really comprehend. I have a personal connection to some wonderful people and communities that were directly impacted by this disaster, and I feel led to share some information and ask that anyone who is able to please prayerfully consider how you can help, even with a modest donation. Thousands of people have been severely impacted, hundreds have been killed, many have lost nearly everything they had, and hundreds more are still missing.

Red Cross, Mid-Alabama Region: http://www.alredcross.org
United Way of West Alabama: http://www.uwwa.org

Many of my fondest childhood memories from are from time spent with a great family in the small town of Haclkeburg, Alabama.  My family would travel there from Michigan once or twice a year and be welcomed into their home.  The friendship, love and laughter are still with me all these years later. 

Haclkeburg was virtually destroyed by a strong tornado. Tuscaloosa, where my friend Amy now lives, was hit by an even larger tornado. Entire neighborhoods have been smashed to pieces and left as piles of debris.  

The following is from my friend Amy who survived the tornado and has been volunteering in the rescue efforts:

I would encourage you to consider the Red Cross and earmark it for the Alabama tornado relief efforts or possibly the United Way of West Central Alabama. I know they would appreciate anything you can do. I spoke to mom earlier and Hackleburg is destroyed. I haven't been up there yet but understand it's quite difficult to get in at this point. More than anything pray for the people in these affected cities. They need the strength, patience, understanding, and peace to start rebuilding their lives.

The video below shows some of the unbelievable devastation that was left behind in the Haclkeburg area.



The tornado that hit Tuscaloosa was even larger, and the video below shows the actual tornado on the ground, tearing a huge path of destruction through the heart of the city. I know these videos are "impressive" in a storm-chaser sense, but please remember the severe human impact these tornadoes caused.



Again, please consider how you can help.