The South will rise again...

By: Laura Ivie
Intern
April 29, 2011

In the wake of such unimaginable tragedy that our state experienced just a couple of days ago, the response to help has been overwhelming and I wanted to highlight a few in Florence that have joined in the efforts.

I spoke to Brett at McDaniel Window & Door this morning and he let me know that they are accepting donations in the parking lot of what used to be Brinley Brothers, on the corner of Tennessee Street and Wood Avenue. According to Brett, the response has been overwhelming, with people dropping off carload after carload of bottled water, non-perishable food, clothing and various other items. They have several trucks, including one of their own, that are taking all donations to Franklin Pharmacy in Russellville, which is serving as a drop-off point. If you are interested in helping, the trucks will be there until about 5 p.m. Friday evening, and among the much needed items at this point are feminine hygiene products and tote bags to put stuff in.

Another drop-off point can be found at First Baptist Church in Florence, which is on North Wood Avenue, across from the Florence Library. I spoke with Debbie in the church office and she let me know that they are collecting mostly non-perishable food items, baby items, and socks. They will be available until 4 p.m. Friday evening to receive donations, or you may bring items to service on Sunday. Their trucks will take donations to the Phil Campbell area.

Lastly, I stopped in McGraw's Coffee House today and Melissa informed me that they are joining in the efforts to assist those that have been affected by this week's devastating tornadoes. If you go by their shop and donate $5 to the Red Cross, you can walk out with a free loaf of bread! Great deal, huh?! She said they will be doing this "as long as Richard can keep making bread", so don't wait.

As we become aware of more opportunities to help, I'll be sure to pass those on. I urge all of you to help, in whatever way you can. I know of several friends who are cleaning out closets of clothes and other items that they no longer need. A word of caution, though: please only donate gently used items; if it is something that you would throw out, go ahead and throw it out. This will be a trying time for many of our neighbors, however, this too shall pass and the South WILL rise again...