AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster
Devastating tornadoes tore through southeast Alabama a week ago. The Tornadoes killed at least 23 people and injured dozens making it the deadliest U.S. tornado outbreak in six years. Lee County, Alabama was especially hard hit by the storms, where all twenty-three of the reported deaths occurred. Here is a list of on-the-ground relief efforts where we can help from afar.
Samaritan’s Purse U.S. Disaster Response
Samaritan’s Purse has a team on the ground to assist with various relief efforts. Donations to the ongoing work of the organization can be made on its Website
Alabama Governor’s Relief Fund
The Governor’s Office of Volunteer Services oversees the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund and is now accepting donations for direct tornado relief efforts.
Cajun Navy
The Louisiana-based search-and-rescue team sent members to Alabama on Monday to help with relief efforts and search for those who remain missing. Visit the group’s Facebook page to donate.
Community Foundation of East Alabama
A long-term recovery fund has been created by the Community Foundation of East Alabama. Visit the site or donate directly using PayPal.
Convoy of Hope
The nonprofit is sending supplies and team members to Lee County to assist with relief efforts. Donate to the organization here.
Mercy Chefs
The disaster relief organization has deployed its team of professional chefs to Lee County to feed volunteers, first responders, and tornado victims. Two meals per day will be served at Lazenby Farms in Auburn. Donations can also be made on the website.
Red Cross of East Alabama
The Red Cross is offering various services to victims, including shelter at Opelika’s Providence Baptist Church and helping to locate still-unaccounted for loved ones. Donations can be made here.
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has a full incident command team in the area assisting with recovery. The organization’s Lee County Service Center is also providing meals to first responders at six mobile feeding units. Contribute to the effort by donating online.
United Way of Central Alabama
The local chapter of the national outreach organization has set up a Lee County Disaster Fund—find ways to donate online.
