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Volunteers of America Southeast to Deliver Operation Backpack Donations

Mobile, AL (Aug 5, 2011) – Volunteers of America Southeast and Walgreens recently partnered for Operation Backpack 2011. Operation Backpack is a means for individuals, church groups, civic organizations, local businesses, and others to join together to provide necessary school supplies to equip at-risk children for the upcoming school year. Volunteers of America Southeast works with the Mobile County Department of Human Resources to provide essential school supplies to children who would otherwise be without. This year’s need was greater than ever, and local businesses, churches, families, and individuals responded with enthusiasm.

On Monday, August 8th at 10:00 AM, Volunteers of America Southeast will present over 300 new backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies for children in need. The presentation will be held at the Mobile County Department of Human Resources (DHR) office at 3103 Airport Boulevard in Mobile, Alabama. Representatives from Volunteers of America Southeast, Walgreens, and Televox Software will be in attendance to present the backpacks and supplies to DHR staff members.

For more information, please contact Janet Hyde at 251-605-3846.

How to help tornado victims

http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/alabama/how-to-help-tornado-victims

Make your donations count

Updated: Monday, 02 May 2011, 10:53 PM CDT
Published : Monday, 02 May 2011, 10:53 PM CDT

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - There has been an outpouring of support for those devastated by last week’s deadly tornado. Many have loaded up trucks and cars full of donations and headed to the affected areas ready to help.

Donation sites have been set up all over the region to bring aid to those hit by the deadly tornado. Kristen Love is in charge of the command center at the Leland Shopping Center in Tuscaloosa. She said the support has been overwhelming since day one.

"People leaped into action literally right after the storm happened and we have so much stuff coming here in Tuscaloosa we have eighteen wheelers coming here from across the country," said Love.

Hours away from the destruction, people have been collecting food, water, and basic necessities to keep these sites stocked.

Some have decided to give their time instead.

"We have volunteers and rescue teams coming from across the country as well as well as our own citizens that are here everyone just leaped into action," said Love.

Pat McLendon with the Volunteers of America said they have had a huge surge of volunteers willing to help.

"The natural response is to go where the people are hurting and the people are in need and that's a great desire, but sometimes you have to wait for the good for everyone," said McLendon.

Right now people may be of more help at home.

"Right now the greatest need to help in our area would be to help with donations," said McLendon.

McLendon says the greatest gift you can give is cash. Also in high demand are non-perishable foods, water, and flashlights.

"They’ve asked that we don't bring clothing because there are so many clothes and people don't have any place to put them,” said McLendon.

McLendon said if people do want to volunteer, they should go through an agency. That will make it easier for coordinators to organize the efforts.

Also, there is still a long way to go in the clean up process. McLendon said that the best bet is to wait a little bit before coming to help.

Here are some other things in high demand:

  • Batteries
  • Diapers
  • Water
  • Ice
  • Toothbrushes
  • Toothpaste
  • Trash bags
  • School supplies

The Volunteers of America will also be collecting teddy bears for the children who have lost their homes and/or loved ones.

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