As many of you know, yesterday's tornadoes were deadly and devastating here in the southern states. They left a wake of destruction (especially through Tuscaloosa, Alabama) that needs to be addressed immediately. I think that all of us need to take action, at least in some way. I am currently working on heading up some disaster relief efforts with the hope that many, if not all, of you will join in alongside me - even those of you who live 1,000 miles away.
For those of you here in Mississippi - Please be advised: I spoke with our local chapter of the American Red Cross this morning, and they are strongly requesting that no-one venture into the affected areas yet. Many attempts to help are just creating more chaos and endangering people who are putting themselves in harm's way with the best of intentions.
After speaking with the Red Cross, I think that there are three important ways we can help. One is fundraising - first, take a moment to visit redcross.org to see how donations will be used and give as you feel called.
Secondly, the Red Cross is compiling a list of names and phone numbers of people interested in volunteering in person with the disaster relief. As I mentioned earlier, they are NOT sending anyone into the tornado-afflicted areas just yet. However, they are making these lists so that they can mobilize disaster relief teams as soon as it is safe to do so. I submitted my information, and if you would like to do so too, call 662-842-6101. Also, please send me an email (hpaoliloftus@gmail.com) to let me know that you are interested in volunteering so that we can go in groups and organize car-pools when the time comes. Please feel free to contact me with questions, concerns, to volunteer, etc.
The third thing that we can and should all be doing is praying. Do not underestimate the power of the One who we pray to.
And for those of you back home - in addition to praying, consider whether you are able to give financially. You can give directly through redcross.org. Remember that all donations are tax deductible.
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