Submitted by a Village Mill Neighbor:
There are still 240 people missing, 40 confirmed dead, over 1000 injured and over 5000 structures effected in Tuscaloosa. They are estimating the cost of cleanup in Tuscaloosa alone will total around $100 Million. I know countless people who have lost everything. The destruction is truly beyond my comprehension.
With that said, I am assuming that gift cards would be gladly accepted. Tuscaloosa has a Target, WalMart, Kroger, Publix, etc. The needs are plentiful and basics are mostly needed (baby formula, toddler food, diapers, adult diapers, toilet paper, plastic storage bins, duck tape, bags/back packs, towels, sheets, pillows, pillow cases, paper towels, garbage bags, canned food, can openers, feminine hygiene products, toiletries, children’s toys, dog food, cat food, leashes, bowls, crates).
If anyone wants to leave items for donation for me to deliver on Saturday, they are welcome to leave them outside my garage by Friday evening
(4864 Olde Village Court) or even just ring the doorbell.
From what I can tell, the two most prominent, tax deductible and recognizable organizations are listed below. People can donate online, mail or I will be happy to deliver their check to:
United Way of West Alabama, 2720 Sixth St. No. 100, between Lurleen Wallace Boulevard and Capitol Park, 205-345-6640
Needs: Cash donations by credit card at www.uwwa.org (100 percent stays local).
Or
Humane Society of West Alabama
Needs: Monetary donations for injured and displaced animals. Donors should specify their donation is for this purpose. Donations may be made through PayPal at www.humanesocietyofwa.org or mailed to Humane Society of West Alabama, 1515 Veterans Memorial Pkwy., Tuscaloosa, AL 35404 or Humane Society Flea Market, 3201 Main Ave., Northport, AL 35476, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
If nothing else, please pray for those individuals impacted by the storm that they may find comfort, healing and resources to begin rebuilding their lives. Also, prayer for those people that are providing civil service, medical care, volunteer services and neighborly compassion is also needed. Their commitment and endurance is definitely being put to the test.