I don’t have to tell any of you about the devastation from the tornados last week in Alabama. If you want to help, though, I can tell you a direct way to do so — without red tape.

You may not know that I am a native of Alabama (even though I grew up in Delaware too). My mother, son, five brothers, and ten nieces and nephews live there. Thankfully, no one in my family was injured, although they all have suffered damage in varying degrees. It has been a terrible week for all of us, even those of us far away trying to get word about our loved ones.

My mother is the President of the St. Vincent de Paul Society (St. William’s Conference) in Guntersville, Alabama (in the northeast section of the state).

The Society is providing aid for all residents of Marshall County who are in need, especially in the towns of Guntersville, Arab, Albertville, and Boaz. Each of these towns, as well as other areas of this rural county, suffered direct hits by multiple tornados.

(One tornado ripped up 1,000 trees from a long scenic stretch on the shore of Lake Guntersville, less than 1/2 mile from my mother’s house.)

The St. Vincent de Paul Society is running out of money. If you would like to make a donation to help, the Society would be extremely thankful. 100% of donations are used directly for feeding, sheltering, and repairs. There are no administrative costs, since this is an all-volunteer group with headquarters in St. William’s Catholic Church.

Donations can be made to St. Vincent de Paul Society (St. William’s Conference) and are fully tax deductible. The address is:
St. Vincent de Paul Society
c/o St. Williams Church
929 Gunter Avenue
Guntersville, AL 35976

You are under no obligation to make a donation. If you do so, any amount is welcome, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart.