During and following the Alabama Crimson Tide's BCS Bowl win announcers and coaches reminded us of the tragedy that struck that and neighboring states this past Spring. We thought it appropriate to re-run the following letter that was issued by the Alabama Association of REALTORS®: RE: Alabama REALTOR® Disaster Relief Fund & how you can help.
Thank you for the emails, texts and telephone calls since Mother Nature’s fury last Wednesday altered Alabama’s population and landscape with awful energy.
Yes, we need help. This email is in response to your expressions of concern and inquiries about how to help us. The most experienced FEMA and National Weather Service personnel report that the number (118) of tornadoes in Alabama, paths on the ground (one 238 miles and varied from ½ to 1 full mile wide and another for 110 miles and a mile wide), wind speeds and overall violence of the cells was unprecedented. There just isn’t a way or time for me to tell you what has happened and what IS happening on the bright and sunny Saturday.
Here are a few staggering Alabama facts. 250 deaths and thousands missing (500 is one county), 5 million plus dead poultry (Alabama 3rd largest producer), Browns Ferry Nuclear Power Plant shut down as all outside power lines ripped away and no power production for weeks, 19 large power cable towers lost, bodies being found miles from tornado paths, thousands of business and industries totally destroyed (5,731 homes and buildings totally destroyed in Tuscaloosa alone), etc. Go to http://www.al.com/ from time to time to get a sense of conditions here. We have one REALTOR® death confirmed and reports of two missing. There are 23 members whose homes are totally destroyed and until cell and internet communications are restored we can’t know of others.
We have activated the Alabama REALTOR® Disaster Relief Fund and we can accept tax deductible donations from members and non-members wanting to help. The online link is http://www.alabamarealtors.com/ or mail checks to P. O. Box 4070, Montgomery, AL 36104. Please post anyone wanting to assist in person should go to http://www.servealabama.org/ as this is the official site where volunteers are given options to help where the need is the greatest. Help is needed.
Alabamians are volunteering in person and collecting essentials to ship to north Alabama. An event on this scale causes those of us untouched to take action. The spirit of people is beginning to give a glimpse of what is ahead – rebuild, recovery and come back better than ever. Thank you for your prayers for all those whose lives have suddenly changed.
Danny Cooper
Executive Vice President
Alabama Association of REALTORS®
Office: 334-262-3808 Fax: 334-263-9650
Alabama Association of REALTORS®
Disaster Relief Fund
CLICK HERE to donate by credit card. To donate by check mail to:
Alabama REALTOR® Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 4070, Montgomery, AL 36103
This is a fully tax deductible contribution to the Alabama REALTOR® Disaster Relief Fund. To view pictures of the disaster areas, click HERE.
Comments