Clarksville, TN – The volunteer and donations response in the wake of the April 27 deadly tornado outbreak in the state of Alabama has been tremendous. Governor Robert Bentley encourages volunteers to use Alabama’s Statewide 2-1-1 Volunteer Call Center.
Amidst the collaborative relief efforts, an Alabama native who now calls Clarksville home believes collectively we can do more. Stanley Truitt of First Missionary Baptist Church is willing to personally transport relief items to Alabama to provide aid directly to the storm victims. Some of the needed items are: batteries, laundry detergent, trash bags, cleaning supplies, dish washing liquid, paper towels, toilet paper, bread, crackers, snack food, cereal, canned meat (tuna, chicken, potted meat, Vienna sausages, soups), and boxed meals.
To contribute to the Clarksville Community Relief Effort call Stanley Truitt at 931-206-9222. Alabama’s Statewide 2-1-1 Volunteer Call Center is a 24/7 volunteer and donations hotline that provides an opportunity for people to connect to available volunteer and donation options. By calling 2-1-1 (in the state of Alabama or 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.
All volunteers not affiliated with an organization should register with 2-1-1. Once registered, volunteers will receive notifications of volunteer opportunities across the state. “In the coming days, weeks and months, volunteers will be needed across the state to help in the relief effort,” said Governor Robert Bentley. “The coordination of volunteers is the best way to serve effectively during time of disaster.”
The Governor’s Office of Faith Based and Community Initiatives (GFBCI) is overseeing the statewide volunteer response effort and has the following suggestions for volunteers wanting to help.
- Financial Contributions are Preferred: This allows relief organizations to purchase exactly what items are needed to assist in the response and recovery efforts. Funds will also provide direct victim assistance.
- Confirm the Need Before Collecting: Donors should be wary of anyone who claims that “everything is needed.” Many groups have been disappointed that their efforts and the goods they collected were not appreciated. A community hit by disaster, however, does not have the time, manpower or money to sort and dispose of unneeded donations. Get precise information and confirm the need before collecting any donated goods or used clothing. Get precise information and confirm the need before collecting any donated goods or used clothing.
- Volunteer Wisely to Help Others: In a community struggling to respond to and recover from a disaster, an influx of unexpected or unneeded volunteers and donations can make the process even more difficult. The best way to volunteer if you are not affiliated with an organization is to call 2-1-1 in Alabama, toll free 1-888-421-1266, or servealabama.gov. In local areas you can visit your regional Volunteer Reception Center. A list of VRC’s is available on servealabama.gov. Discuss with volunteer organizers how your needs for food, water and shelter will be met while you are volunteering.
