(Story courtesy of Birmingham-Southern
College)
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Members of the Birmingham-Southern
volleyball team have reached out to help the community by
volunteering in Tuscaloosa, which was devastated by tornadoes on
April 27.
Head Coach Judy Green and eight of her players have been giving
their time at the Temporary Emergency Services Center on 15th
Street in Tuscaloosa, sorting donations and helping to organize the
distribution center.
"Volunteering in Tuscaloosa was so rewarding," said sophomore
Lauren Reibe. "Although it was a tragic sight, seeing so many
people coming together during the city's time of need was amazing.
Everyone was so willing to donate supplies, or help out at the
volunteer sites. For a town that had so much destruction, it was
truly a blessing to see how supportive everyone was being of their
neighbors.
"Seeing the damage the tornado caused was really astounding and so
different from what I've seen from hurricanes," sophomore Shelby
Moore said. "I was speechless seeing what little was left of 15th
Street. Volunteering was overwhelming--the amount of supplies that
people had donated and the rush of people coming into the
distribution center for help was mind blowing. I did enjoy
volunteering though, making toiletries kits and dinner packs was
actually fun, and every little action helps the victims."
In addition, Hope Harris, Sarassa Burrus, and Alex Bothe each
assisted a family affected by the tragedy, helping them find what
they needed throughout the center.
"I am so proud of the time and effort our players spent at the TES
Center," Green said. "They got to see up close and personal how
this tragedy affects people from all walks of life. They truly
worked non-stop from the time we arrived until we left. Making a
difference is what they did. I think they also now understand the
magnitude of the devastation left behind and in their hearts they
know the relief efforts will be like running a marathon instead of
a sprint. None of this is going to be fixed in a week. I hope they
will continue to find time to help as so many areas are in
need."