Excuse me. But Alabama has been nearly destroyed.

[Ripley]

I live in Tuscaloosa and still cannot grasp the amount of disaster the tornadoes have wreaked here. The F-3 and F-5 tornadoes that came across the state April 27 hit cities and towns like never before. This outbreak across the Southeast doubled the record of tornadoes from the 1974 outbreak with over 300. 5000 buildings were completely destroyed in my city.

I know DU has a certain loathing towards the south but seriously we need help. Thousands of people have no home, no clothes, no schools, no nothin.

Please donate things that homeless people can use immediately like canned foods with pop-tops, toothbrushes and paste, underwear and socks, blankets, if you live close enough bring grills, charcoal, lighters.

Please don't forget about us.

We are Americans, too.


Edited to add this from NOAA:

http://ngs.woc.noaa.gov/storms/apr11_tornado/

You can see for yourself how devastated we are.

Edited again to add a website for many ways to help:

http://alabamapossible.org/2011/04/tornado-relief-how-you-can-help/

Thanks to all.

[uppityperson]

1. k&r. Have you donation recommendations, to whom? I don't do American Red Cross

but would like where to donate that stuff to. Thanks.

[Ripley]

I understand

I personally don't like donating to ARC, UW because of the overhead admin and fraud in those organizations. However at this point I'm doing direct relief to schools and shelters so I'm sorry I don't know where else you can send things or money. I'll post something local if I find it. Thank you.

[uppityperson]

27. If you have names, addresses, etc for local help, please let us know.

I suspect you are swamped trying to survive, sorry the tornado'd areas have fallen off our radar.

[Shagbark Hickory]

84. Hosea Feed The Hungry. Why not Red+ btw?

[uppityperson]

128. Red Cross does some good but overall they waste too much money rather than on those

for whom it is meant. I helped my community raise several thousand that went to RC after Katrina and it went into their coffers for "future use". Then I went down to help and talked with several RC volunteers who filled me in on how poorly the whole thing was run after an emergency.

I signed up with my local RC to go through their training to work in a shelter post-Katrina. They told me the next training (in NW WA) was a month out. After completing that I'd be able to work in a shelter in Seattle and after that, maybe, they'd think of sending me somewhere else. I thanked them, packed up my bags and flew to join a group of health care providers and others already down there doing mobile clinics. About 4 months after I came home the RC called me, said they were looking to make sure their local lists were up to date and would I be able to come teach a class (the same one I was supposed to attend months before but didn't).

Then there is the "text # and donate" thing which means the money people donate will get to RC in a couple months and not be used for the current disaster. It's good to get people to donate what they can, but I feel it is misleading how they do this.

So, I prefer to donate to other places.

[Shagbark Hickory]

137. Good to know. Thanks 4 the reply. nt

[AllTooEasy]

93. I'll donate, but the South could help themselves by electing Liberals...

...for their local and state gov't post. The South has the poorest Americans and the most conservative gov'ts. What a freaking surprise!

And stop giving the world lousy US presidents! That includes you too Texas!!!

Yes, we are all Americans. That's why I'm donating. Even though I know that most Southerners don't feel the same about Black guys like Obama and myself.

God Bless the South, America, humanity, and all God's creatures.

[placton]

114. I sooo agree

I am of 2 minds about this tragedy - one for the millions of good folks affected, another for the ones who "dont want no gubmint handouts"

[Left coast liberal]

124. There must be good lefties in Alabama!

Not everyone can fit into the stereotype of a typical person from Alabama.

But it is sad. The poorest, dumbest people governed by the biggest shit heads.

[TBF]

127. Maybe you ought to come to Texas for a visit -

some of us are leftist down here too (in fact I'm a lot further left than Mr. Obama). And, frankly, electing Obama has done diddly squat for most working folks. But carry on with your stereotypes ...

[SharonAnn]

140. All of Alabama's congressional GOP voted to cut the budget for NOAA, weather forecasting.

Just sayin'.

[robdogbucky]

94. Oakland Athletics' Josh Willingham and his wife have a site...

www.thejoshwillinghamfoundation.org.


Not faith-based.


Josh Willingham's foundation helps tornado victims

Susan Slusser, Chronicle Staff Writer

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Josh Willingham grew up in Florence, Ala., and he still lives there. He's an Alabaman through and through. So this week, while Willingham's wife, Ginger, was doing hands-on work helping people in Alabama whose homes were destroyed by the deadly tornadoes that struck the South last week, Willingham was putting together plans to help victims financially. He and his wife already have a foundation devoted to helping underprivileged children in their area, and they will now use that foundation to help those with immediate needs and to help with long-term recovery efforts.

Before Tuesday's game, Willingham asked A's players to consider making contributions, and he said several have responded with large donations. The A's have chipped in $10,000, and, Willingham said, the Players Association will match up to $15,000 of whatever amount is raised. Willingham said his wife "has been down in the trenches with a group of about 60 people. They went and got my tractor and took it down there to help.

"A lot of people lost everything, and some of them didn't have much to start with. People are living in tents. They need water, food, so we're trying to do anything we can do."

Those interested in making a tax-deductible donation should log on to www.thejoshwillinghamfoundation.org.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/05/04/SPQM1JBOJU.DTL#ixzz1LbDlzfT6

[dkf]

2. You are right that it's not on the media radar.

What's with that?

Is there a red cross text for you guys?

[hlthe2b]

8. Looks like Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10

Alabama Tornado Relief: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 from your phone
to the Red Cross from your phone or visit www.redcross.com

[redwitch]

3. I am in upstate NY and need to know how best I can help.

Red Cross?

[Lint Head]

4. Bless you. I imagine you have power.

[bluestate10]

5. I contributed money to the Red Cross. Will contribute again in response to your urging.

Others should contribute what they can afford.

[hlthe2b]

6. K&R....

I am sorry for what you all are going through. Truly.

[WillyT]

7. K & R !!!

:kick:

[Chorophyll]

9. K&R.

Thanks for the reminder.

[dkf]

10. Found this...which ones do you think are best?

Donate to Tornado Relief Effort

American Red Cross: The Red Cross is providing relief to people across the hardest-hit states, providing shelter, and relief to survivors.

To make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief, visit its online donation page.

You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is responding to the deadly tornado activity throughout the South, mobilizing feeding units and providing support to the victims.

To donate to the Salvation Army's tornado disaster response, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org, click on their donation page and designate "April 2011 Tornado Outbreak."

You can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and donors can text "GIVE" to 80888 to make a $10 donation. Checks can be made out to the Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, Ga., 30384-0339.

Feeding America: Feeding America helps food banks provide food to communities affected by the recent tornadoes.

To make a donation to Feeding America, visit its online donation page.

Alabama

Governor's Emergency Relief Fund: The Fund, part of the Alabama Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, provides additional recovery assistance to Alabama residents who have exhausted all other coverage provided by relief organizations, government programs and insurance. To donate, visit the online donation page.

http://abcnews.go.com/m/story?id=13477481

[Chorophyll]

14. Was just about to post this same link. Not crazy about

any of these except for Feeding America. Will try to find some more.

[Chorophyll]

19. Really hard to find organizations that aren't faith-based, but

here's a link: http://mashable.com/2011/04/30/seven-ways-to-help-tornado-victims/

Red Cross and Feeding America are always reliable.

[dkf]

25. Went with Red Cross since it was the easiest.

Thx.

[steve2470]

11. k&r nt

[RebelOne]

12. If you are in the South and have a Kroger

supermarket in your area, when you shop you can round off your purchase to the next dollar. I live in Georgia and am very close to the towns that were hit by the tornadoes. And I shop and Kroger and have been rounding off all my purchases.

[dixiegrrrrl]

34. Here are some ideas for donations, folks.

Dollar General is apparently accepting donations.
I saw some customers buying things like shampoo, toothpaste, underwear, socks, etc. and giving them to the clerk for donations.

Also I think Piggly Wiggly stores ( VERY community minded chain, it is).

Also:

toll free 1-888-421-1266) or visiting www.servealabama.gov, individuals can register to volunteer or provide a financial donation to the Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund.

Also, go to al.com, there are pages of ways to help, I am really impressed with the huge amount of resources they have listed.

If nothing else, can you donate blood locally to the Red Cross?
1,000s of our people are in hospitals.

I know a lot of people are not wild about faith based thing, but down here in the South, churches ARE the primary resource.
Altho I do not attend church, I did gather donations and gave them to the Presbyterian minister across the street and to the
head of the Methodist Women's group next door to me, both were working to organize transport of donations from our small town.
The churches know the neighborhoods, the people, the community in these hard hit areas.
And there are many little towns that are getting only church help, I suspect.
A very old and recently renovated Methodist church in Cullman Alabama was badly damaged in the tornado outbreak, I know the Methodist Church will be helping out there.

Lastly, I personally donate at the state and community level, here, where I know there is less red tape, smaller organizational inertia.

It is pretty bad here, massive damage, across 1/3 of the state.( I live way south of the danger zone, thankfully)
Just one example:

[Arkansas Granny]

107. Thanks for the info. I donated through the Governors Emergency Relief Fund.

[bobbolink]

75. That is a good idea. thanks!

[Skittles]

98. it's why I shop Kroger

they do some fine charity work

[bobbolink]

105. That's good to know.. I didn't realize that. I'm not happy with the way they treat their employees,

tho. :(

[northoftheborder]

13. Thank you for your post. My....

....church congregation along with others is collecting new items and donations of money on Sunday for the survivors of this terrible event. You're right, we're all Americans, and must help each other without regard for political, economic, or racial divisions. I'm sure I've probably made scathing remarks about the south, (I'm also a southerner) and it's scorn for the philosophy of giving to and creating a common good. Somehow, we have to get over the divides and selfishness which coat our culture like moldy moss.

Please keep the DU community posted as to the progress there. Hopefully, the storm season will not touch you again, and the rain will hold until people can have shelter, at least.

[Hardrada]

15. I'm sorry you folks went a bit off the radar because of this other stuff

going on. We will help with a donation. Perhaps my wife's church has something going.

[leeroysphitz]

16. I unrecd you post due to combination of fat fingers and a small touch screen.

Sorry.

[checks-n-balances]

20. I'll rec & cancel that out

[bobbolink]

76. I rec'd to RECtify that. ^_^ That's for posting that... it reminds me.

:hi:

[aquart]

17. I donated.

But unless someone is putting together a truck convoy from New York like they did for New Orleans, we can't send you the things you need. That's going to come from nearer states that survived.

It kinda scares me that this many days have passed and help hasn't arrived.

[SpiralHawk]

18. k and r

with a prayer for everyone in AL

[xfundy]

21. It is strange there's so little media coverage

I've seen the devastation there on tv and the web. What a horrible thing to go through. Wish i could volunteer and help out.

Salvation Army gets nothing from me, though, as they discriminate and support fascism in America.

[me b zola]

22. K&R

:grouphug:

[Texasgal]

23. I will donate.

I feel for all of you and I understand the "south" bigotry that is ever present here on DU. What a shame.

*hugs*

[Patiod]

46. Our disgust w/the politicians shouldn't translate

into animosity toward actual Southerners themselves. As our disgust with Bachmann, Palin, Santorum and Issa translate into disgust toward rural Minnesotans, Alaskans, Pennsylvanians and people in Orange County.

I think Alabamans would be surprised how many of us all over the country have friends and family there and are worried about what's happening. My 87-yo total parochial Philadelphian dad has been checking in with family friends who moved down there, and getting calls asking if he's heard if they're okay. We watch the news and read the papers to see what's happening, and have donated. I'm giving blood next Monday.

[Ripley]

24. Here's a website for relief donations

http://alabamapossible.org/2011/04/tornado-relief-how-you-can-help/

Thank you all for caring.

[uppityperson]

28. thanks. Off to check it out. If you notice the notice here dropping, PLEASE post

again as we don't mean to forget you

[nolabear]

26. I'm so sorry I let it drop. I was born in Ala. and have a ton of relatives there.

And I grew up on the Gulf Coast and in New Orleans so I know what devastation is like. I also know how awful it is when DU thinks people from the South are "less than". So many good people. I'll donate and remind on FB and elsewhere.

Keep us posted.

[Angry Dragon]

29. And today all of Alabama republicans voted to slash

the Early Warning System by 50%

That is how much they care about their people
Many more people would have died without it

[Ripley]

30. You know what Angry Dragon?

I don't have the luxury of paying attention to recent political votes and such because I've been delivering supplies. Sounds pretty fucking horrible. But do you really need to come into my thread which is a plea for HELP and remind all of us non-assholes in Alabama that they're there?

Yeah, we know about them.

Please try to be a decent human being and give one tiny shread of empathy and leave my thread alone.

[QC]

33. +100000

[cordelia]

49. Add my 1000000000 n/t

[mistertrickster]

74. Trying to solve the long term problem does not reveal a lack of sympathy.

Nor does pointing out hypocrisy in asking for federal aid from a state that took up arms against its own gov't and has never shown any remorse for it.

Good luck to you and yours, and I mean that it all sincerity.

[cordelia]

80. Yeah, all those 180 year old Civil War vets and

former slave owners sure have some nerve asking for help, don't they?

[jberryhill]

82. Okay, but can their present supporters MAYBE take down that flag?

How about this:

1. If someone wants to be part of the US, they get help.

2. If someone shows up flying, wearing or tattooing an enemy flag on their body, they don't.

Fair?

[cordelia]

86. Never have understood that Confederate flag thing.

Never will; don't approve of it. But I'm not going to deny a group of people assistance who may be hurting because I don't approve of the behavior of some members of that group.

I presume you don't approve of aiding people in Japan or Haiti either, just in case someone may be sporting a tattoo that doesn't meet your approval.

Your lack of compassion is nauseating.

[mistertrickster]

89. Agreed. Everyone needs help in a national emergancy.

"I'm not going to deny a group of people assistance who may be hurting because I don't approve of the behavior of some members of that group."

Ditto.

That's what I said too.

[jberryhill]

91. Well, I'm sorry, but I have been appointed the official national aid giver

So, too bad. My post on DU will no doubt lead to the starvation of thousands.

[mistertrickster]

88. no shit . . . and that's just for starters . . .

As for me, I fully sympathize with the Lost Cause.

We should have let them go. They could be a 2nd World buffer zone between us and Mexico.

[mistertrickster]

85. See below:

http://www.scv.org/

The citizen-soldiers who fought for the Confederacy personified the best qualities of America. The preservation of liberty and freedom was the motivating factor in the South's decision to fight the Second American Revolution.

The tenacity with which Confederate soldiers fought underscored their belief in the rights guaranteed by the Constitution. These attributes are the underpinning of our democratic society and represent the foundation on which this nation was built.

Today, the Sons of Confederate Veterans is preserving the history and legacy of these heroes so that future generations can understand the motives that animated the Southern Cause.

"To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish."

Lt. General Stephen Dill Lee, Commander General,
United Confederate Veterans,
New Orleans, Louisiana, April 25, 1906.

*****

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_History_Month

Confederate History Month is a month annually designated by six state governments in the Southern United States for the purpose of recognizing and honoring the history of the Confederate States of America. April has traditionally been chosen, as Confederate Memorial Day falls during that month in many of these states.

State governments or chief executives that have regularly declared Confederate History Month are as follows:

Alabama<1>
Florida<1> (since 2007)
Georgia (by proclamation since 1995,<1> by legislative authority since 2009<2>)
Louisiana<1>
Mississippi<1>
Texas<1> (since 1999)
Virginia (1994–2002, 2010)

*****

Question--Complete this famous essay title: "Letter from __________ Jail" by Martin Luther King.

Question--Who said after losing the Alabama Gov's race the first time he ran: "you know why I lost that governor's race?... I was outn****red by John Patterson. And I'll tell you here and now, I will never be outn****red again."?

Question: the Alabama state flag looks like what battle flag from the American civil war?

And on and on it goes . . .

[bobbolink]

77. What Ripley said.

:grouphug:

[Zoeisright]

52. Yep. People need to be reminded of this.

Repukes want anyone who isn't a rich white male to DIE.

[defendandprotect]

113. It's also rather suicidal of them -- or don't they live in the state???? Yikes!!

[pinstikfartherin]

31. Toomer's For Tuscaloosa is networking for material donations.

They have a facebook page and website where they can hook you up with people near you if you want to donate supplies instead of money. They are getting people from all over coming in to drop supplies.

[Ripley]

35. Way cool, thanks! nt

[ThoughtCriminal]

39. For those who don't know

Toomer's Corner is at the entrance to Auburn University.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Toomers-for-Tuscaloosa/127019264041188

[Zorra]

32. I want to donate, but I don't understand this "text Food" thing.

I won't send money to organized religions, Red Cross, or United Way. I don't trust them.

But I will send money to a food bank.

I know how to text, but what exactly does this mean, and how can I use it to send money:

Text “FOOD” to 27722 to donate $10 to West Alabama Food Bank

[johnnie]

36. In the number you will be texting to enter 27722

Then in the message part of the text enter "Food". They will probably then send you a confirmation and just type in what they tell you to do. They will then add 10 bucks to your cell bill.

[dixiegrrrrl]

37. Here is website of West Alabama Food Bank

they are in the "old" part of Tuscaloosa, called Northport, it was untouched by the tornadoes.
I have 2 friends there who are working their butts off up there right now.
You can send a donation directly to the Food Bank via check if that is more comfortable.

http://www.westalabamafoodbank.org/

[Ripley]

40. Thanks for that dixiegrrrl

I just heard from a friend who's family lived in Holt and they're alive! Godz it's this kind of thing, not knowing who's missing who's dead.

[dixiegrrrrl]

120. I waited 6 hours after the tornado to find out if our friends were ok.

Twas stressful, not as stressful as being in the area tho.
So many people still missing.

[bobbolink]

78. I've bookmarked your post... thank you so much! I'm also thinking that people need to donate

nutritional food stuff that doesn't have to be cooked, because of so many poor people who were left homeless.

:cry:

[dana_b]

100. thanks for the link

I just donated through Paypal.

[russspeakeasy]

59. Zorra...Exactly. Thanks.

[Zorra]

87. Thanks for all the help! Now it's easy.

:hi:

[malaise]

38. Any word on the missing folks? n/t

[proud patriot]

41. kick rec and shared

[patrice]

42. K&R

[cordelia]

43. kick

[NuttyFluffers]

44. i worry about my classmates who drove cross-country to there recently...

even though as an aggregate Alabama and I have rarely seen eye to eye, i feel tremendous concern for the people there. individuals are individuals and need love in a time of need. i hope everything will improve there.
:hug:

[Syrinx]

45. kick it, people need help

[Pooka Fey]

47. K&R

[babydollhead]

48. Thank you! Be the Media! Be our eyes and ears! We are with you!

Never shut up! Bang this drum loudly! We must take care of one another. Husband and kids are coming to AL. for a wedding...how can he help from Orange Beach?

[dixiegrrrrl]

132. go to: al.com.

Plenty of info there on various ways to help.

Again, jsut one of many ways to give:
remember the benefits of a strongly religious area is that the churches WILL be front line responders.
I have learned that time and time again during hurricanes and tornadoes, altho I am not a church person.
They do not have the red tape issues, they are fast in their delivery of goods, etc.
( It took years for the Red Cross to distribute Katrina money, they held onto it for a long time)

The outpouring of concern and help I have seen so far is what I love about living in the South.
Our wider DU community response is equally wonderful to behold.

[fascisthunter]

50. we loathe aspects of the south related to right wingness is all

I know there are plenty of good folk down there. I think most of us do too...


kick and recommend!

[KoKo]

51. DUpers can contact local Mainstream Churches to see if any have a Fund Drive going on..

I know churches in our area of NC are collecting supplies and donations for the people of Alabama.

Mainstream churches like Methodist,Lutheran, Presbyterian, Episcopal, United Church of Christ are usually connected across the country and are good places to call and see if one of those churches in our DU Cities and Towns has a relief effort going for Alabama. Even if you are DU'er who doesn't support religion, in the South the churches are the ones who get out there and help people because they know everyone by name. And, they do help the homeless and the unchurched when there is a disaster like this.

I'm not talking about RW Fundie Churches here....but mainstream that are connected all over the country who aren't likely to be looking for converts during this disaster like the Fundie ones might be. If any DU'ers are just fallen away from any of those mainsteam churches it doesn't hurt to still call one of them up in your town and ask if there's a relief effort and if they are taking donations of clothing and food or money. You can drop off the donations or a check and not feel obligated to do anything else with the church.

(((Good Vibes to all our Alabama DU'ers)))

Thank you for posting, Ripley. Hopefully we can all keep this post kicked.

[KoKo]

66. OOPs...edited subject line and a "p" was left by mistake for DUers postabove.

Makes the post sound like DUpers...and didn't want anyone to think my post was a joke or snipe at churches. Sorry 'bout that. :blush:

[Lydia Leftcoast]

71. Yes, when I volunteered in Mississippi after Katrina, it was through

a joint Episcopal-ELCA Lutheran group. While the volunteers had a daily worship service, there was NO proselytizing of people who came for help and no religious test for receiving help. The program provided food and clothing, medical care, and debris clean-up for black, white, Native American, Vietnamese, and Latino people without discrimination.

Episcopal Relief and Development is currently channeling its USA Disaster Relief funds to the areas hit by the tornadoes. I'm sure that other mainline denominations, especially those that have a strong presence in the South, like the Methodists, have similar efforts.

[KoKo]

133. Thanks, Lydia for your "on the ground" experience.

Good to know this. Those churches do work to get "relief" to those who need with out trying to "Recruit." They do what Jesus did..and he was "non -partisan."

Again...thanks.

[tosh]

53. Kick & highly rec.

[Name removed]

54. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Fire1]

55. I don't loathe the south! My family is from the south. n/t

[AverageJoe]

56. Fellow Tuscaloosa resident here

Thank you for your post. We're in for a long, long haul.

[Skittles]

99. a star for you AverageJoe

I have donated for Alabamans too; yes INDEED - I wish you all well

[AverageJoe]

138. Thank you, Skittles

Alabama needs you and appreciates you.

[JNelson6563]

57. K&R

As an unemployed single mom I can't send donations but I can kick this so hopefully those who can help will see it. My best to you and all who are suffering as a result of those terrible storms.

Hugs and encouragement,
Julie

[Taverner]

58. Is there a way to send Red Cross Emergency Backpacks to the afflicted?

I remember after Katrina, there was a way to donate to Red Cross so that people left homeless could get the Red Cross Emergency Backpacks - which can sustain someone for 3 days.

I looked all over the RC website and haven't found them this time

Anyone know how to get these to them?

[aggiesal]

92. Just as a heads up ...

and realize I'm not really an expert, so please check into it
before giving anything to the Red Cross.

But, the Red Cross tends to hand out needed items from their current
stock. What they received from the current disaster usually is not
given out. Instead it is stored for the next disaster.

You may want to call your local Red Cross and verify.

Learned this the hard way.

Again, just a heads up.

[aggiesal]

60. Nothing converts a conservative into a socialist

faster then a disaster.

Hope you get everything you need.

[RegieRocker]

63. Tornado trumps a disease......interesting. Your on your own if you get

sick. I understand......not.

[aggiesal]

83. What I'm saying is that ...

Alabama votes in Republicans.
Then those officials vote against any federal funding because "GOVERNMENT IS BAD".
Like this story:
Alabama’s Entire GOP Delegation Voted To Cut Weather Satellite Forecast Capability In Half
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/DeSwiss/1288

Then when tornadoes hit and produce all this devastation,
the Alabama Governor request for "Federal Disaster Area" so that
he can get Federal Aid for his state.

[RegieRocker]

121. That is exactly my point. We are dealing with children, the only way to make

understand is not by avoiding the issue and caving in to their requests. A perfect time to show them without each others help, we in times of distress, might cease to exist.

[WilliamPitt]

61. For you

http://www.truth-out.org/my-alabama/1304284113

[KoKo]

134. Will this was very nice...thanks for posting it here.

:hug:

[Javaman]

62. I find it sad...

that you have to say, "we are Americans, too".

Damn straight you are.

Cheers and peace to you.

I hope you get through this okay.

I will be donating.

[Name removed]

64. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[angel823]

65. Just sent

$100 via Governor's Emergency Relief Fund

Hope it helps!

[QC]

67. wrong place

.

[QC]

68. I spent five of the happiest years of my life in Tuscaloosa.

It is such a special place for me. Just looking at the pictures hurts me terribly, so I cannot even imagine what it would be to see it all up close.

I'll be sending a donation today.

Please pass this on to anyone you know out on the eastern side of town: St. Matthias Episcopal Church (on Skyland) is serving as a staging ground for aid in that area. This is a place to go for assistance, or for opportunities to help out. The St. Matthias website is here: http://matthiaschurch.dioala.org/

My thoughts and prayers are with you.

[bobbolink]

79. Thank you for that information! Bookmarked to share...

:yourock:

[QC]

97. Thanks! n/t

[earcandle]

69. Where is FEMA? Are they helping at all?

[Lydia Leftcoast]

72. From what I understand, yes, they are

This isn't the Bush administration anymore.

[bluedigger]

106. FEMA's there.

In fact, FEMA is so busy responding to disaster's right now, that they just told their own staff that they can only submit their expenses biweekly, due to the workload.:)

It is kind of funny, but FEMA really is very busy right now, and their budget is under attack along with everything else. They are stretched thin. :-(

[bluestate10]

139. Truly sad that an organization like FEMA is under attack. nt

[Uncle Joe]

70. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, Ripley.

[krabigirl]

73. :( thanks for the links. Sending what I can.

[DFW]

81. I looked at the list on the link

I found the high percentage of religious-affiliated organizations very disturbing, but coming from the south myself,
I know that's how it is.

I just sent $1000 to the United Way of West Alabama. I'm fairly confident none of the money will go toward the next
Lexus of some silk-suited Televangelist this time.

[trashcanistanista]

90. About faith based donations

I had to think about it but I did give to a small Church of Christ outside of Birmngham. Why? I know they are out helping people. They know who I am (Califoria liberal Dem non believer), family attends, they ASKED ME to donate after I posted a Red Cross link on my facebook. We can't discriminate and everybody needs help. In the small rural towns sometimes the churches are the only places to go to get help. I want them to know that non believers and democrats care about them too. I think in a small way this is important. I look at it as outreach. I hope some of you on DU reconsider faith based donations.

[Thumper79]

95. I can't even imagine what you are going through.

We don't have devastating weather here in Arizona (unless you're talking about AZ politics.) I try to imagine losing everything I own and know that the only things I would take IF I had a warning are my two dogs. I don't believe, wherever you live in this country, that losing everything you had is any less desolating than anywhere else in this country. Sorry doesn't begin to express what I feel. That part of the country has my deepest sympathy.

[femrap]

96. I just wonder

what all the Fundie ministers are preaching in AL. If something bad happens in say, San Fran, it's because God hates Liberals.

Now what?

I know that's a minority....at least I hope so.

Isn't the Red Cross down there w/ blankets, food? And isn't Proctor and Gamble down there with its Washers and Dryers that they advertise all the time on TV? Where's FEMA?

If I were a construction worker, I'd be heading to AL, right?

Good luck...Mother Nature has all the power.

[orbitalman]

101. I sure would like to hear what Pat Robertson has to say about this. n/t

[xxqqqzme]

102. Feeding America had delegates bring their

hotel shampoos, soap and anything else free at last weekends CA Dem Convention. There were two huge boxes of stuff collected.

[truedelphi]

103. Ripley, thank you for posting this.

I have no idea why people went on and on about the politics.

Devastation is devastation. Will try and find some way to help. (Don't do Red Cross.)

[bobbolink]

108. The Governor's relief fund sounds good... also there is a foodbank which takes checks.

Both listed above somewhere.........

[Liberal_in_LA]

104. k&r

[Kurovski]

109. K&R

DU loves the south. I'm just Civil War weary.

Let's all give what we can. :grouphug:

K&R.

[Name removed]

110. Deleted message

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[TNLib]

111. I had tornado damage in Chattanooga TN Just got my power back on today

A town just 15 miles south of me in GA was demolished I have in-laws in Alabama without homes. I had a former co-worker find his aunt and uncle in a field. Also I have been hearing stories about undocumented workers losing their children and being to afraid to report it.


This has been the worst disasters I've ever been through and I went through several Hurricanes, the North Ridge earthquake and my home had severe damage from a fire a few years back.

[defendandprotect]

112. Where is government ... ??? Either Federal or State level ... ???

Are they pulling the same "walk on" stuff they did with Katrina?

Presume corporate-press isn't going to have much interest in reporting this

story because weather is political -- especially when Americans figure out

that corporations have destroyed the planet!! And that we're all up for being

"Katrina'd" -- !!!

Will be looking to see how to help -- and certainly hope that government help

will be along --

Think we should all be sending e-mails to the White House -- wasn't Obama just

down in your area?

[nonperson]

117. But I thought southern conservatives want to shrink the federal government

Until it's "small enough to drown in the bathtub."

Or is that only when they DON'T need help from that same federal government?

[defendandprotect]

118. Once tragedies like this happen, we do all have to help... but ONLY government can

really give the help required -- and that's something everyone here

should understand --

Today's Red Cross isn't either the old Red Cross of sacrifice --

it's been remodeled in GOP/corporate style with high profile CEO's like

Elizabeth Dole -- don't know who has it currently, however/?

And giving taxpayer money to "faith based" organization is BS -- !!

Again -- at this point - there is nothing to do but try to help --

but, Americans need to wake up on all of these issues -- from fascist government

to Global Warming -- !!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/us_severe_weather_flooding

And they need to wake up damned fast!!

[bobbolink]

129. Can you please understand that some of the poorest of the poor were badly damaged in this?

Can you then understand that MOST of those poorest of the poor vote DEMOCRATIC, which is why *election fraud* is aimed at THEM?

[mnhtnbb]

115. Maybe a wake up call to the residents of Alabama? Maybe the concept of community is important?

I'm very sorry what's happened in your state. In NC on April 16th tornadoes devastated
many communities, too.

I think it's appalling that we spend so much money on war and ignore our own people.
Maybe, just maybe, some of the residents of Alabama will reconsider their views,
now that they've seen that "there but for the grace of God, go I".

[nonperson]

116. +1

It's quite odd how a personal catastrophe can alter views on socialism.

[mntleo2]

119. Many of us respect southern progressives who are the bravest...

...among us for being who they are with the vast sea of Rethugs around them ~ within their families, their neighbors, their school and their churches, everywhere they go To me this means you are the most courageous among us and my hat is off to you (with a long sweep and and a bow).

It is easy to be a liberal where many liberals live, not so good for those who live where the majority aren't. I cannot imagine what hells you have to endure for making the stance you have. I am poor, (and live in a Progressive part of the country) but I can tell you I will give all I can even if it but a few dollars because I RESPECT you for your courage and know you are doing good work!

Love,

Cat in Seattle

[bobbolink]

130. "It is easy to be a liberal where many liberals live,"

:applause:

[Elwood P Dowd]

131. It's tough down here, but I don't put up with any shit from them.

My 93-year-old mother is progressive, but my two sisters are brainwashed Fox News hounds. All my friends and neighbors are repukes except for a couple. Have to be careful with the bumper stickers, or the car might get keyed. Most friends won't even talk to me about politics anymore because I zap 'em with facts that shut them up and leave them sounding stupid.

I grew up on a farm, so you would think I would be just like them. However, going to college made me a little more liberal. Spending almost two years in Washington, DC when I was drafted helped even more. By the time I was 25, the ole' stereotype of the good ole' Alabama farm boy was gone from me.

[Honeycombe8]

122. I will. I'll look up who to donate to. My thoughts are with you guys. I've seen the devastation

on TV. I've thought OMG, what would I do if I were in that situation? What COULD I do? But for the grace of God, that would be me, as they say.

I'll try to figure out who to donate to. I know some don't like RC because of fraud & admin. costs, but I'm wary of small orgs because of fraud and pilfering....at least the large orgs have to file reports and are looked at closely by the public. Small orgs....there are no books to look at, or anything.

But I'll check it out.

[kentauros]

123. Thanks for that relief link.

I'll certainly be making a donation tonight! :D

Take care now :hug:

[japple]

125. Dear Ripley, I live next door (N. GA) and the tornado split just

south of my county and went to the east and west, leveling Ringgold, GA, and wreaking havoc in TN and NE AL. It is so sad. I have been trying to keep up with the progress of animal rescue in those areas. Many animals have been displaced and there are humane groups in the area trying to rescue/reunite pets with their owners. Facebook has been invaluable helping people to connect. I know it might seem trivial to some folks, when (human)lives have been lost and homes/businesses destroyed, but for some folks, their animals are their family. DUers, if you can spare a few $$, you might consider donating to some of the groups who send in teams to help with animal rescue.


Here are a couple of the groups that have been helping in AL, GA, TN. If you're on facebook, please friend them and help keep their posts active.



http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150256547230449&set=o.206345326063409&type=1&theater#!/ALTornadoAnimals?sk=wall

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150256547230449&set=o.206345326063409&type=1&theater#!/Animalslosttnga

Thanks for bringing this up. I hope it will raise awareness of our need to maintain connections to others, esp. in times of trouble, when we need to overlook regional and cultural differences, political parties, religious ideology and personal bias.

[japple]

126. Tuscaloosa News has produced an excellent "panoramic experience"

of the damage in the tornado area at its website: http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110506/MULTIMEDIA/110509767/1007?Title=A-panoramic-experience-of-area-tornado-damage#

[ProdigalJunkMail]

141. looking across Forest Lake looks like a nuclear weapon went off

we have carried a jeep load down already...don't know when we can get back. this is my old home. 16th Street and 1st Ave was my home away from home when I was in school. Found pictures of the house. Roof gone. Other minor damage. It came through much better than houses less that 50 yards away.

sP

[japple]

135. Kicking this back up to the top.

[xmas74]

136. I've always donated my money to UMCOR.

They have a couple of links for information on what they are doing.

http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umcor/

The next link is for UMC in Northern Alabama and their call for volunteers.

http://www.northalabamaumc.org/news/detail/885

I know not everyone feels comfortable with donations through a church or religious organization but I know that most of my donations will go to the source. My church has already taken donations down there personally, along with a team to assist with clean up. (The team consists of volunteers from our church who take off 15 days at a time from their lives to assist wherever is needed.)

Outside of Alabama, they are asking for people to make flood buckets for the Midwest.
http://mentor.patch.com/articles/mentor-plains-united-methodist-church-collecting-flood-buckets-to-help-those-who-need-them
http://gbgm-umc.org/umcor/print/kits/floodbucket.stm

(Links are for what is in a flood bucket.)

And yes, I've made a donation. I plan to make another when I have a few dollars extra, though this time of year is always tight in my house. My child and I are also making flood buckets. This hands-on approach is a great way to teach her to think about others.

[crickets]

142. Kicking for excellent donation info.