Burleson students hold gift bags that went out to children of families who lost everything in the April 27 storms. Pictured, from left, are: (kneeling) Emlee Boster, Eli Terry, Austin Green, Avery Balch, (standing) Gracie Garnett, Christa Ferryman, Hudson Harden and William Turner.

Burleson’s ‘Kids That Care’ donate gifts for storm victims

The children of two families who lost everything in the killer tornadoes that swept across Alabama April 27 were the first recipients of bags of gifts donated by F.E. Burleson Elementary School students earlier this week.
The gift bags were filled by students Thursday morning and delivered later in the day after their plight became known while shopping for clothing at a Hartselle consignment store the preceding day.
“We were told both families lost everything they had in the storms,” said PTO President Krisee Terry. “One family has three children and another on the way and the other family has two children and another on the way. We made up gift bags for all of the children, even the unborns.”
Terry said the school’s “Kids That Care” storm relief project was initiated on Tuesday, the first day of school after the storms, in a partnership with the Morgan County United Way. Crestline and Barkley Bridge elementary schools are participating.
“We got a flyer out to the kids and their parents asking for donations and they have responded far beyond our highest expectations,” Terry said. “Immediately, we had students coming from everywhere dropping off gifts. Donations include diapers,  formula, baby bottles, baby food, underwear, socks, scale model cars and trucks, books, baby dolls, games, stuffed animals, canned food, school supplies, and gift cards.
Each gift bag has a card signed by students.
Terry said some of the gifts will be going to children of storm victims in Lawrence County on Friday.
“We’re letting our students choose the items to fill the bags because they know what kids like,” Terry said. “It is our hope that the gifts will put smiles on the faces of the children who receive them.”

How you can help

Gift cards accepted for tornado victims

Gift cards for disaster relief are being accepted to help with the tornado disaster relief.
Robyn Corum said she is collecting the gift cards for the Morgan County Emergency Management Agency, which will help distribute the cards to victims in need of help.
“I’ve talked to the County EMAs and they’ve said it they would be of great use, Corum said. “Next time you’re in a store, pick up a card – of any denomination – to share.”
Once the card is purchased, Corum said residents can pass them along to her, a family member, drop them off at Corum’s Building Supply or mail them to: C/O Robyn Corum, P.O. Box 1027, Hartselle AL 35640.
“I’m just collecting,” Corum said. “County EMAs will be distributing.”
Ideas for gift cards include Lowe’s, Home Depot, Gas, Walmart, Target, Kroger, Toys“R”US, Shoe Carnival, Sonic and McDonald’s.
For more information, contact Corum at 256-773-8034 or robo1224@aol.com.

Griffin Mobility accepting supplies

Through the end of this week, Griffin Mobility will be a drop-off location in Hartselle for disaster relief supplies.
Please drop off work gloves, non-perishable and ready-to-eat food items, charcoal, batteries, flashlights, water, flavor packets for water, sports drinks, personal care items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, etc), diapers, pull-ups, baby bottles and supplies, formula, and other necessities.
Please do not bring clothes. For more information, call 256-751-1365 if you have questions.

Salvation Army accepting clothes

The Salvation Army in Decatur is accepting clothing donations for families affected by the tornadoes. For more information, call 256-353-2822.

RBC Bank holding food drive

RBC Bank is partnering with the Alabama Food Bank Association to collect food and other items for those affected by the April 27 tornado outbreak. Residents can drop off donations at the Hartselle branch through May 15.
Items requested are pop-top can meals, single serving meals that don’t require refrigeration, snacks, peanut butter, bottled water, paper goods, hygiene products, baby items and cleaning supplies.

Association taking donations

Those who would like to help with the disaster relief can donate money to the Alabama Baptist Association’s disaster relief.
Residents can send checks to the State Board of Missions, 2001 E. South Blvd., Montgomery, AL 36116. Earmark the check for Alabama Tornado Relief, or give online via credit card.
First Baptist Church and other local churches are accepting donations to the association’s disaster relief fund.
All of the funds marked for Alabama Tornado Relief will be used for assisting victims and churches.