Those Offering Tornado Relief

I’ve received several emails, phone calls, and Facebook messages offering to help with the recovery here in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I’ve made some calls to see how this can best be done. I really appreciate all the offers, but there are some we can’t accept.

Here’s what I know:

1. Do NOT send people. The police are letting NO ONE into the damaged areas due to gas leaks and downed power lines. This will likely change by Monday, but for now you just can’t get in — even if you own a home in the area. We have members who live there and aren’t being allowed back in.

2. We need our hotel and motel rooms for displaced people, people without power, etc. If you bring people, be sure you have a place to stay that doesn’t take a room from someone who has lost a home.

3. My church, the University Church of Christ, is glad to accept donations of cash and of non-perishable food and drink. But we have no power and hence no refrigeration. Don’t send us anything perishable.

Checks and other donations may be sent to:

University Church of Christ
1200 Julia Tutwiler Drive
Tuscaloosa, AL 35404

Mark the checks “For disaster relief.” We’ll make sure it’s used wisely.

4. The Central Church of Christ building has been destroyed. We are glad to accept money earmarked for their use.

5. If you need to drive through the Tuscaloosa area, McFarland Blvd/US 82 is closed. Most people choose to go through town via Highway 69, but this is creating serious traffic issues. The Western Bypass is usually a tollroad, but they have waived the toll and you can pass through town that way without serious delay.

6. By Monday, the city expects to have the gas leaks and power line issues resolved, and they’ll then let us know what help is needed and how it can be provided.

Finally, what I say only applies to Tuscaloosa. Many other towns and cities have been hurt, and their situation may be radically different. Some of the smaller towns especially may have an immediate need for volunteers. But this is the only information I have.

Again, your offers are greatly appreciated, and I’m very proud at how well the Churches of Christ are responding to this need.

If I hear anything more, I’ll post it here.