Reviewed by: Nathan Watson
3 ways you can support Mississippi/Alabama tornado relief
Reading time: 3 minutes
Several Alabama relief agencies have dispatched resources and volunteers to Mississippi and Alabama (MS/AL) after devastating tornadoes struck the region Friday night.
Below are three agencies that are on the ground helping residents and organizing local, regional and national relief efforts.
American Red Cross
“We are focused on sheltering people,” American Red Cross spokesperson Annette Rowland told The Bama Buzz, while driving between communities in the two states impacted by tornadoes that stayed on the ground for dozens of miles and was measured at one point in Rolling Fork, MS. as an E-4 tornado.”
“There are about 50 people staying in the three shelters.”
Along with temporary living spaces, the Red Cross is providing food, water and cleaning supplies to the impacted communities.
“We are also providing mental health care—one on one support —for those severely impacted by the tornadoes.”
Donations are needed. The best way to support the MS/AL Red Cross relief efforts is by visiting their website at redcross.org or text the word tornadoes to 90999 .
Salvation Army
According to Cyrondys Jackson, Communications Manager at The Salvation Army Greater Birmingham Area Command, a “canteen” was sent this morning from Birmingham, Alabama to the region. The operation can serve 200 meals immediately.
Over the weekend, several Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Response teams were deployed. They are stationed at Camp Hidden Lake in Lexington, Mississippi.
Since Saturday morning they have already provided
- Hot or shelf stable meals: 2.077
- Snacks: 2,022
- Drinks (Bottles): 2,714
Jackson asked for prayers and support.
“So when we go on deployment there is a 14 day rotation. Especially when there’s a loss of life, these folks (volunteers) that are going in right now, they see the most devastating circumstances that we can respond to. Something like a simple as a prayer is a way that you can support us, but if you want to support us financially text— 51555 and use the code MSTORNADOES or helpsalvationarmy.org “
United Way
Another way to support tornado relief is through the local United Way. This morning, the United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) set up a donation page for the United Way of West Central Mississippi.
Local United Ways are known for providing long-term support—rebuilding efforts— after a natural disaster.
Below is a story about the efforts in Lee County, Alabama back in 2019.
United Way of Central Alabama lends a helping hand after the Lee County tornadoes
Visit the UWCA donation page—HERE
Additional Tornadoes Relief Efforts
The communities impacted in Alabama by the Friday night’s tornadoes and severe storms were St. Florian in Lauderdale County and Hartselle in Morgan County. On Sunday and Monday morning there were tornadoes in Macon and Autauga counties. Groups are currently accessing the damage.
The Central Alabama Community Foundation has already set up the Macon County Disaster Relief Fund. You can give by texting MACON to 44321
Updates Coming
The Bama Buzz will update this story when we learn about additional charities and agencies who are working on relief efforts in both Mississippi and Alabama. Feel free to let us know about groups making a difference by tagging us in social media at @thebamabuzz
