Tornado Relief: Donate & Serve

Beautiful examples of neighboring are occurring here in Crestwood North and Woodlawn. People in our community are offering to take in those without power, finding housing for residents whose homes have been damaged, collecting items for their friends who lost homes in Tuscaloosa and supporting various relief organizations that are in the trenches throughout the state of Alabama.

I thought it would be helpful to list some of the information about things going on nearby that I’ve seen on Twitter, Facebook and the Crestwood North Yahoo Group because it can be hard to keep up with all of the different streams. Please let me know if there’s anything else going on close to our neighborhood that I can add. I’ll try to update the list as new details are provided. Our neighbors who may not have time or the ability to get out to volunteer or shop can purchase items for tornado victim relief and cleanup efforts via Christian Service Mission’s Amazon Wish List. Please pass this information on to friends and family here and around the world who might be interested in participating in this way.

UPDATE: (June 1 at 7:30 a.m.):

*Mark your calendars for Drum Circle and Change for Change on Saturday, June 11 from 4-7 p.m. at Books Beans and Candles on Richard Arrington Boulevard South. Bring your spare change to benefit the mid Alabama Region American Red Cross and the 2011 Alabama Tornado Response Fund AND bring your favorite drums/rattles for a FABULOUS drum circle.

*Message from Christian Service Mission about the Webster’s Chapel Volunteer Day: ”As the next phase of response becomes more labor intensive Christian Service Mission is working to facilitate connection of resources to needs through work projects. Next Friday, June 3 Honda will be sending approx. 200 employees to help clear home sites for FEMA trailers. CSM is helping organize chainsaw dozers and bobcat teams to work alongside them. There will also be ample opportunity to Webster’s Chapel for other volunteer service. If anyone has equipment and is interested in coming out for this work blitz please e-mail gema@csmission.org to register and you will be sent more information.”

*Other Christian Service Mission needs: Cleaning supplies, tools and VOLUNTEERS. Their hours today through Friday are 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

UPDATE: (May 31 at 7:30 a.m.):

*There are a TON of ways to get involved over at Alabama’s Lost Birthdays. It looks like there are opportunities for just about anyone to get plugged in. Follow them on  Facebook and Twitter to see their current needs and updates. This group is doing amazing work. Please help spread the word!

*Message from Christian Service Mission:
“As the next phase of response becomes more labor intensive Christian Service Mission is working to facilitate connection of resources to needs through work projects. Next Friday, June 3 Honda will be sending approx. 200 employees to help clear home sites for FEMA trailers. CSM is helping organize chainsaw dozers and bobcat teams to work alongside them. There will also be ample opportunity to Webster’s Chapel for other volunteer service. If anyone has equipment and is interested in coming out for this work blitz please e-mail gema@csmission.org to register and you will be sent more information.”

*There are 15 hours left to receive generous discounts on movie tickets for shows at The Edge 12 Theater through Sharing Spree. All proceeds will be donated to the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross. Take advantage of this current Sharing Spree deal through the35212.com’s Sharing Spree affiliate link. See information about what’s currently showing at The Edge 12 here.

UPDATE: (May 26 at 7 a.m.):

*All proceeds from the sale of movie tickets for The Edge 12 Theater in Crestwood through Sharing Spree will be donated to the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross. Take advantage of this current Sharing Spree deal through the35212.com’s Sharing Spree affiliate link here. See information about what’s currently showing at The Edge 12 here. And look for a new post about The Edge’s new films on our site tomorrow morning.

*Check out this update from Carla Jean Whitley/Birmingham Box Set about various musicians using their talent to raise money and awareness of tornado relief efforts. Upcoming shows, albums and more.

*Christian Service Mission Current Volunteer Hours: Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222.

*Urgent Christian Service Mission Need: They have lots of orders and requests and are in need of drivers on Thursday. Even if it is only one load they need you!

*Additional Christian Service Mission Needs: cleaning supplies, yard tools, canned food and VEHICLES. If you or someone you know would like to donate a car or truck email tracy@csmission.org.

* via Christian Service Mission’s Facebook page: Hungry? You can buy a cookbook with a portion of the purchase going toward tornado relief! Vintage Vera is selling their cookbooks for $25, with half of the purchase going toward CSM for tornado relief.

*Good People Brewing Companyand The J. Clyde are tapping special casks on Sundays to raise money for tornado relief efforts. All proceeds are being donated to the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross.

UPDATE (May 23 at 4:45 p.m.):

*Buy Beer TONIGHT at The J. Clyde: Good People Brewing Company and The J. Clyde have been tapping special casks on Sundays to raise money for tornado relief efforts. All proceeds are being donated to the Birmingham Chapter of the American Red Cross. They have some beer leftover from one of yesterday’s casks, so they’ll be selling it tonight, too. Great reason to go on over to The J. Clyde. (Not that we ever need special reasons.)

*Christian Service Mission needs volunteers all week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222.They had several volunteers today, so it would be great to continue that trend.

*Some current needs at the Christian Service Mission: Food (perishable & non-perishable) and Tools (primarily chainsaws, rakes, shovels and hammers.)

*Please check previous updates for info that’s most likely still relevant.

UPDATE (May 21 at 8:30 a.m.):

*Cash donations will be collected today at Do Dah Day in Highland Park from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Contributions will benefit groups and shelters that are coordinating help for pets affected by the tornadoes.

*Message from Christian Service Mission: Today we’re sending out folks for cleanup as well as having volunteers here in the warehouse in shifts at 7,9, and 11. If you missed the 7 o’clock shift, you can still come for the 9 and 11! We’re open from 8AM to 5PM Saturday, and closed on Sunday.

*Tonight at 8 p.m. at WorkPlay: Artist for Alabama – Featuring Todd Simpson and Mojo Child , with special guests The Buicks, and a special appearance by LEX

*Tonight at 9 p.m. at The Nick: Rock U Live! Tornado Aid: A Live Karaoke Benefit, Cover: 10.00

More info about things going on this weekend below.

UPDATE (May 20 at 9:30 a.m.):

*Message from Christian Service Mission: Tomorrow (Saturday, May 21): We are sending teams out to clean up affected areas. Groups and individuals are welcome, come to 3600 3rd Ave S in Birmingham at 7 A.M., 9 A.M., or 11 A.M. Sites are local and 1 1/2 hours away. This is an awesome oppurtunity, please comment or post about the size and expected time of your group. Thank you!

*Please see last night’s post below for additional updates.

UPDATE (May 19 at 7:30 p.m.):

TONIGHT/RIGHT NOW: The UAB Art Guild is selling art at Bottletree’s Open Vinyl Night until 11:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit tornado relief efforts. I wish I had noticed this event sooner. There’s still time to make it by there. That’s the beauty of being 4 minutes from Bottletree.

*Hands on Birmingham’s most recent newsletter has some great information about how to serve in the Birmingham area.

*All  are invited to attend Combating April’s Fury on Saturday, May 21 from 5-8 p.m. benefiting the American Red Cross, Birmingham Chapter. In addition to the Silent Auction they are selling $1 raffle tickets for a $500 shopping spree at Hoover Antique Gallery, Urban Suburban in Crestwood, and our newest store Urban Suburban in Pelham (formerly Consigning Interiors Pelham). Stop by any of the stores and get your ticket today.

*Christian Service Mission needs volunteers tomorrow from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222. It looks like the weekday volunteers have tapered off, so if you can give an hour or two, it would be much appreciated.

*Here are some of CSM’s most urgent needs:
CLEANING SUPPLIES
409, Windex, Clorox Bleach, Mops, Brooms, Sponges, Buckets
YARD TOOLS
Rakes, Shovels, Chainsaw/Chain Sharpener, Tarps
Go here for their full updated list.

UPDATE (May 18 at 2:45 p.m.):

*Christian Service Mission needs volunteers all week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222. It looks like the weekday volunteers have tapered off, so if you can give an hour or two, it would be much appreciated.

UPDATED NEEDS LIST from Christian Service Mission: deodorant and personal hygiene items, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, brooms, rakes, tools for cleanup and rebuilding (hammers, nails, rakes, etc.) and canned goods

UPDATE (May 16 at 2:30 p.m.):

*Christian Service Mission needs volunteers all week from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222. It looks like the weekday volunteers have tapered off, so if you can give an hour or two, it would be much appreciated.

*Some of CSM’s most immediate needs are: Towels, Plastic,trash bags, coffee filters, dishwashing detergent, cleaning supplies & VOLUNTEERS! For the full list of needs go here.

*Check out past updates below for others ways to help out and donate.

UPDATE (May 13 at 1 p.m.):

*Christian Service Mission needs volunteers today until 5 p.m. and tomorrow at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222 from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. It looks like the weekday volunteers have tapered off, so if you can give an hour or two, it would be much appreciated.

*CSM’s list of immediate needs: Cleaning supplies (409, Windex, Clorox, Bleach, Mops, Brooms, Sponges, Buckets), Laundry Soap, Camping Supplies (Cots, blankets, bug spray), Canned Foods

*T-Shirts!!: Andre Natta has the lowdown on how to wear support for those affected.

*Alabama’s Lost Birthdays: This organization is giving birthdays back to the kids who have lost everything in Alabama’s tornadoes. To see the kids’ wish lists, go here.

UPDATE (May 12 at noon):

*Some of Christian Service Mission’s immediate needs: Peanut butter, jelly, can openers, pop tarts, camping supplies, tents, ponchos, chainsaws, chainsaw sharpeners, cots, building supplies, hammers, nails, screws, screwdrivers, tarps, duct tape, flashlights and batteries, hand saw, saftey goggle, safety helmet, bug spray, sunscreen, shovels, rakes, and mosquito repellent.

UPDATE (May 12 at 9:30 a.m.):

*The Wind Will Carry the Voice of the People is a music compilation put together by musicians from Alabama and beyond, including two of our neighbors. 100% of the proceeds will go towards benefiting the victims of the Alabama Tornados through the Red Cross. More information here.

*Christian Service Mission needs volunteers today and tomorrow at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Weekend hours will be announced soon. It looks like the weekday volunteers have tapered off, so if you can give an hour or two, it would be much appreciated.

*CSM just tweeted: “We need people with vans/buses/cars/trucks/wheelbarrows to deliver supplies!”

*CSM also needs food for volunteers. If you can provide snacks or can help convince a restaurant to donate lunch, contact Kristina O’Quinn at (205)478-2179.

*Reverend Matt Lacey lives in Crestwood North and pastors the congregation at Woodlawn United Methodist Church. He is also the Director of Mission and Advocacy for the North Alabama Conference of the United Methodist Church. Here is his latest update about his conference’s work. They are focusing on long-term rebuilding and recovery. He says that $5 donations to UMCOR (details on how to give are included in his update) from all United Methodists in North Alabama would make a huge impact. I’m sure he would appreciate donations from those of us who aren’t in his domination, too. There are many ways to give to long-term recovery. This is just one way to do so while supporting one of our neighbors who has a ton of experience in this area.

UPDATE (May 11 at 9:30 a.m.):

*Christian Service Mission needs volunteers today and tomorrow at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222 from 8 a.m.- 5 p.m. Weekend hours will be announced soon. It looks like the weekday volunteers have tapered off, so if you can give an hour or two, it would be much appreciated.

*Large storage buckets are in high demand. If you have a couple lying around that aren’t being used or are able to purchase some, please drop them off at the Christian Service Mission this week.

*Labels: The sorters at the Christian Service Mission would love some name tag size labels for the bags and boxes of items they are packing up for distribution. To help out, please make some labels for the items below. The need for labels for the words in bold are most pressing. Some neighbors who helped last week made 20 of each, but any amount is great. Just drop them off in the donation line at 3600 Third Avenue South and tell the unloader to take them to Gwen or Kristina.

• Men
• Women
• Boy
• Girl
• Baby
• Blankets
• Towels
• Sheets
• Purses
• Baby bedding
• Pillows
• Shoes
• Accessories

UPDATE (May 10 at 2:30): URGENT! Christian Service Mission needs volunteers today 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222 until 5 p.m. and tomorrow through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Weekend hours will be announced soon. It looks like the weekday volunteers have tapered off. IDEA: For those of you who have jobs that require or allow for meetings with clients and colleagues outside of the office, consider going to CSM to work for an hour during your scheduled meeting time this week, then heading to one of the nearby restaurants to handle official work stuff. I’m sure Crestwood Coffee Company, Bottletree Cafe, Cantina Tortilla Grill, etc. would be glad to have you. Maybe they can give a discount to any professionals who take some time out of their workday to serve. Just a thought… #ittakesavillage

UPDATE (May 9 at 12:45 p.m.):

*The Christian Service Mission is accepting donated items (list below) and volunteers at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222. There is a shortage of volunteers today at CSM. Please consider asking your employer (if he/she is nice and won’t get mad at you for it) if you and some co-workers can go help out for an hour this afternoon without having to use vacation time. If you are one of the head honchos at your job, please consider taking a team building field trip to CSM today or another day this week for a couple of hours. Every bit helps.

*Individuals in affected areas in Flat Rock, Higdon, Jackson and Dekalb Counties are in dire need.They are scared to leave their homes to get supplies, food, etc. because of the fear of looters and because they might not know where the different shelters and distribution centers are. Clint DeShazo (a Mountain Brook resident who has already been to this area to help out and is in contact with the Fire Chief and local churches in the area) is going to these cities tomorrow. He needs chain saws, charcoal, lighter fluid and grills. If you are interested in providing items for him to take or would like to volunteer, contact him at 566-8373 or clintdeshazo@gmail.com. He is coordinating with Christian Service Mission and is now in contact with The Dream Center. If you’d like a contribution statement for your donations, give through CSM, but ask them to direct your donation to Clint. Make sure Clint knows about the donation so he can look for it.

*Alabama’s Lost Birthdays is working to provide birthday parties for children who lost everything in the storm. Follow them on Facebook for more details and updates.

*Our neighbors who may not have time or the ability to get out to volunteer or shop can purchase items for tornado victim relief and cleanup efforts via the Christian Service Mission’s Amazon Wish List. Please pass this information on to friends and family here and around the world who might be interested in participating in this way.

*Updated list of immediate needs at Christian Service Mission at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222:

• VOLUNTEERS!! They need people RIGHT NOW  to help sort and to drive and deliver supplies.
• Bug spray
• Sunscreen
• Bras (espicially sports bras)
• Underwear
• Pillows
• Linens
• Adult diapers
• Adult wipes
• Large trash bags
• Can openers
• Formula
• Baby spoons
• Baby bottles
• Sipper cups
• Deodorant
• Jelly
• Canned meat
• Ravioli
• Baked beans
• Plain crackers
• Cereal
• Milk
• Nuts (individual bags)
• Laundry detergent
• Lawn equipment
• Ear plugs
• Duffel bags
• Soft drinks
• Rakes
• Shovels
• Chainsaws
• Tarps
• Duct tape
• Hammers
• Nails
• Other tools

UPDATE (May 7 at noon): There is a Building Supply Donation Drive for new or like-new building materials/tools this weekend, Saturday, May 7 and Sunday, May 8 in the parking lot of the Home Depot next to Edge Theatre in Crestwood from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. More scoop here.

UPDATE (May 7 at 10:45 a.m.)

*CSM donation and volunteer hours today are from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. BUT: As of 10:45 a.m. there is no need for manpower, just donations. Please check their Facebook page or Twitter stream for updates on this.

The CSM WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY, MAY 8. Hours next week (May 9-14) are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (More CSM updates below.)

*A friend is helping coordinate Scouts for Schools. They are collecting school supplies and children’s books for Hackleburg, AL. Urban Cottage is a collection location for this project. You can drop off items today before 1 p.m. (Click on the Scouts for Schools link above for the list of requested supplies.)

*Items for displaced and fostered pets (dog and cat food, litter, collars, leashes, food bowls, treats, etc.) can be taken to Parkside Cafe during their regular business hours.

*Two Crestwood North neighbors are coordinating food for CSM volunteers. If you’d like to provide snacks or lunch for those helping out, call Kristina at (205)478-2179.

*Updated list of immediate needs at Christian Service Mission at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222:

• Jelly
• Pillows
• Adult Diapers/Depends
• Manual Can Openers
• Shaving Cream
• First Aid Kits
• Sunscreen
• Bug Repellent
• Canned Items (fruit, meat, veggies, beans, spaghetti, ravioli)
• Gatorade
• Hand Sanitizer
• Peanut Butter

*Volunteers are needed at CSM today until 6 p.m.

*Our neighbors who may not have time or the ability to get out to volunteer or shop can purchase items for tornado victim relief and cleanup efforts via the Christian Service Mission’s Amazon Wish List. Please pass this information on to friends and family here and around the world who might be interested in participating in this way.

UPDATE (May 6 at 9:30 a.m.)

*A friend is helping coordinate Scouts for Schools. They are collecting school supplies and children’s books for Hackleburg, AL. We will collect items from neighbors at Urban Cottage. You can drop off items today from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. and tomorrow from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (Click on the Scouts for Schools link above for the list of requested supplies.)

*Items for displaced and fostered pets (dog and cat food, litter, collars, leashes, food bowls, treats, etc.) can be taken to Parkside Cafe during their regular business hours.

*Two Crestwood North neighbors are coordinating food for CSM volunteers. If you’d like to provide snacks or lunch for those helping out, call Kristina at (205)478-2179.

*Updated list of immediate needs at Christian Service Mission at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222:

• Flavored drink mixes for water bottles  (They are trying to collect 10,000,000 packs today. I’m not sure there are 10,000,000 in the Birmingham area. We’ll see what happens. I saw on Facebook that boxes of the Crystal Light packets are buy one get one free at  Publix right now. And Walmart has their own brand, so I’m sure those are a cheap option, too.
• Baby food
• Individually packaged snacks
• Canned items (fruit, meat, veggies, beans, spaghetti, ravioli)
• Gatorade
• Hand sanitizer

*Volunteers are needed at CSM today until 6 p.m.

*Our neighbors who may not have time or the ability to get out to volunteer or shop can purchase items for tornado victim relief and cleanup efforts via the Christian Service Mission’s Amazon Wish List. Please pass this information on to friends and family here and around the world who might be interested in participating in this way.

UPDATE (May 5 at 9:15 a.m.):

*Christian Service Mission is asking people to take all clothing donations to  The Foundry at 1800 4th Avenue North, Bessemer, AL, 35020.

*A friend of mine is helping coordinate Scouts for Schools. They are collecting school supplies and children’s books for Hackleburg, AL. We will collect items from neighbors at Urban Cottage. You can drop off items from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. today and Friday and from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday.

*Updated list of immediate needs at Christian Service Mission at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222:

• Extra Large Adult Depends (This is one of the most urgent requests!)
• Towels
• Rubbing alcohol
• Soap
• Shampoo
• Razors
• Deodorant
• Toothbrushes
• Toothpaste
• Sunscreen
• Feminine Products
• Charcoal
• Grills
• Tarps
• Duct Tape
• Hammers/Nails
• Rope
• Band Aids
• Aspirin/Tylenol
• Flavored Drinks
• Diapers
• Blankets
• Bug Spray
• Baby Food
• Baby Spoons
• Plastic Utensils
• Batteries
• Flashlights
• Filled Propane Tanks
• Work Gloves

*Volunteers are needed at CSM today until 6 p.m.

*Our neighbors who may not have time or the ability to get out to volunteer or shop can purchase items for tornado victim relief and cleanup efforts viaChristian Service Mission’s Amazon Wish List. Please pass this information on to friends and family here and around the world who might be interested in participating in this way.

*Two Crestwood North neighbors are coordinating food for CSM volunteers. If you’d like to provide snacks or lunch for those helping out, email us at the35212@gmail.com and we’ll put you in touch with the coordinators. Or just drop off green-ish bananas, apples, granola bars, prepackaged snacks at CSM. Make sure you tell those unloading your car that your donation is for the volunteer food table.

*To receive email updates about relief efforts and about CSM, go to their Facebook page, click Newsletter updates to the left and enter your email address. Follow them on Twitter at @CSMission

*Items for displaced and fostered pets (dog and cat food, litter, collars, leashes, food bowls, treats, etc.) can be taken to Parkside Cafe during their regular business hours. They are sending a load to Cullman today, so it’s time to start building up a new batch of supplies for the next delivery. Parkside opens at 3 p.m. Monday-Friday and at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

UPDATE (May 4 at 9:40 a.m.):

• CAN OPENERS
• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Lighter Fluid
• Lighters
• Shampoo
• Soap
• Razors
• Toothpaste
• Dental Floss
• Juice boxes
• Powdered drink mixes
• Sports drinks
• Grills
• Tarps
• Duct tape

*Volunteers are needed at CSM today until 6 p.m.

*Our neighbors who may not have time or the ability to get out to volunteer or shop can purchase items for tornado victim relief and cleanup efforts via Christian Service Mission’s Amazon Wish List. Please pass this information on to friends and family here and around the world who might be interested in participating in this way.

*Two Crestwood North neighbors are coordinating food for CSM volunteers. If you’d like to provide snacks or lunch for those helping out, email us at the35212@gmail.com and we’ll put you in touch with the coordinators. Or just drop off green-ish bananas, apples, granola bars, prepackaged snacks at CSM. Make sure you tell those unloading your car that your donation is for the volunteer food table.

*To receive email updates about relief efforts and about CSM, go to their Facebook page, click Newsletter updates to the left and enter your email address. Follow them on Twitter at @CSMission

*Items for displaced and fostered pets (dog and cat food, litter, collars, leashes, food bowls, treats, etc.) can be taken to Parkside Cafe during their regular business hours. They are sending a load to Cullman today, so it’s time to start building up a new batch of supplies for the next delivery. Parkside opens at 3 p.m. Monday-Friday and at 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

*The Woodlawn-based Birmingham Dream Center has teams deployed all over the state providing meals, cleanup crews and more. One request for today is  volunteers to help serve 1000 meals to displaced residents. For more information, contact WADE MOORE at 205-533-0615. He needs SUVs, drivers and servers. Follow them on Facebook and Twitter for immediate needs.

UPDATE (May 3 at 2:40 p.m.): Urgent tweet from CSM (@CSMission): We need Deodorant, Wipes, ready to use formula, baby food, tarps, ponchos, clear packing tape, hot dogs, hamburgers, buns, flashlights, batteries, canned meat, can openers

CSM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS RIGHT NOW! THEY WILL BE WORKING UNTIL 6PM at 3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222)

UPDATE (May 3 at 9:00 a.m.)

*WBHM 90.3 is breaking format at 10 a.m. for news special On Point focusing on the storms and aftermath. Mayor Bell is a scheduled guest. Tune in or listen online at www.wbhm.org. The “Live Stream” link is on the top left corner of the home page under the logo.

*Gov. Bentley will address the state Legislature today regarding tornado damage. You can watch live on TV on Alabama Public Television or listen on WBHM 90.3.

*Updated listed of immediate needs at Christian Service Mission (3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222) listed below. The items in bold are the most urgent needs.

• Baby and ADULT Diapers
• Tape
• Batteries
• Flash Lights
• Tarps
• Any Baby items
• Trash bags
• Storage Bins/Containers
• Water
• Clothes (We are able to receive clothes now because of the generosity of Barber’s.)
• Blankets
• Food
• Any type of care products (soap, wipes, toothpaste, etc.)
• Feminine care products

Here’s a portion of a CSM update posted last night on their Facebook page and sent out to the subscribers of their email newsletters.

From all the donations made we have sent out 10,000 cases of diapers, 1 million water bottles, thousands of personal hygiene items, and we have worked with over 150 churches and over 300 volunteers per day unloading, sorting, loading, and transporting these items.  We have sent these supplies to the Birmingham area, Cordova, Pleasant Grove, Walker County, Hackleburg, Smithfield, Hueytown, Cullman, Tuscaloosa, and more.

*To receive email updates about relief efforts and about CSM, go to their Facebook page, click Newsletter updates to the left and enter your email address.

*I spoke to someone at the Irondale Sam’s Club this morning who confirmed the membership fee waiver for purchases benefiting those affected by the tornadoes. Tell the person at the entrance why you are there, and check out at the customer service desk.

Urgent Need: There is also a need for people to help man the United Way 2-1-1 lines that people in Alabama who need assistance are calling. Here are the details.

UPDATE (May 2 at 9:30 a.m.)

*Immediate needs at Christian Service Mission (3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222): flash lights, batteries, tape, tarps, deodorant, brushes, shampoo, conditioner, fem products . *No more clothes right now please.* Drop off donations and/or volunteer today until 6 p.m. Two Crestwood North neighbors are coordinating food for CSM volunteers. If you’d like to providr snacks or lunch for those helping out, email us at the35212@gmail.com and we’ll put you in touch with the coordinators.

*To receive email updates about relief efforts and about CSM, go to their Facebook page, click Newsletter updates to the left and enter your email address

*Musicians are needed for a Red Cross telethon for relief at Old Car Heaven tomorrow. All participants would need to play 1-2 songs. Spots are available from 2-10 pm. Please contact Birmingham Arts and Music Festival via Facebook for more information.

*Urgent Need: There is also a need for people to help man the United Way 2-1-1 lines that people in Alabama who need assistance are calling. Here are the details.

UPDATE (May 1 , 10:50 a.m.):

*Urgent Need: The American Red Cross: On-Site Damage Assessors needed. Training classes on 5/1 at 2PM CST, Red Cross Service Center, 114 22nd Street South, Birmingham

*Urgent Need: There is also a need for people to help man the United Way 2-1-1 lines that people in Alabama who need assistance are calling. Here are the details.

Hands on Birmingham is deploying teams to Pratt City today. Follow updates and find out more information about creating a new team or joining one of their existing teams on their Facebook page. (Please note Hands on Birmingham created a NEW Facebook page yesterday. You need to “like” them. Now.)

One of our Crestwood South friends sent this update with some helpful information about volunteering at Christian Service Mission (3600 Third Avenue South, Birmingham, 35222) today from noon-8 p.m.:

Park across the street so that the parking lot can be free for donation drop offs and take offs. Just walk in the warehouse and start helping. There’s lots of lifting and loading to be done on the dock and inside there’s bags/boxes/etc of donations that need to be opened and sorted. You’ll see bins, piles, markers, bags, etc that people are sorting. You’ll catch on quick. There’s not really anyone in charge, just everyone pulling together to organize.

• Baby AND Adult Diapers
• Packaged snack foods
• Water
• Blankets
• Juice (individual, boxes)
• Food
• Any type of care products (soap, wipes, toothpaste, etc.)
• Feminine care products
• Gatorade
• Tools
• Tarps
• Duct tape

Update (April 30 at 7:45 p.m.): Here is an amazing list with local and statewide information from Alabama Possible.

Update (April 30 at 4:50 p.m.): Here are some urgent requests that I’ve seen today on Facebook and Twitter:

• The American Red Cross: On-Site Damage Assessors needed. Training classes on 5/1 at 2PM CST, Red Cross Service Center, 114 22nd Street South, Birmingham
• The Christian Service Mission will be accepting donations and deploying volunteers on Sunday, May 1  from noon-8 p.m at 3600 Third Ave South, Birmingham, AL 35222. The Birmingham Police Department has requested all donated items for Birmingham and surrounding areas go through Christian Service Mission. This is the quickest way to get items into the hands of those who need them. Requested items below. *Please note clothes are no longer on the list.

• Baby AND Adult Diapers
• Packaged snack foods
• Water
• Blankets
• Juice (individual, boxes)
• Food
• Any type of care products (soap, wipes, toothpaste, etc.)
• Feminine care products
• Gatorade
• Tools
• Tarps
• Duct tape

• There is also a need for people to help man the United Way 2-1-1 lines that people in Alabama who need assistance are calling. Here are the details.

• Update (April 29 at 3:45 p.m.) :The McWane Center posted this announcement on their Facebook page about an hour ago: SUPPLY DRIVE FOR TORNADO RELIEF: Bring in supplies for tornado relief efforts and receive complimentary admission to the museum. Guests must bring at least one item per one admission. Items must be one of the following: toothbrushes, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper. Free admission must be redeemed on drop off date. McWane extends this offer until announced otherwise.
• Update (April 29 at 4:00 p.m.): One volunteer organization providing relief is Hands on Birmingham. A Crestwood North resident started a Hands on Birmingham group called UAB Cares. All neighbors are invited to join her group.
• The Magic City Post has a great list of ways we can donate and volunteer, as well as information for those who need assistance during this time.
• Crestwood Tavern is accepting donations of trash bags, clorox spray, batteries of all sizes, paper towels, baby wipes, baby and adult diapers, water bottles and gallon jugs, work gloves, non-perishable and individually packaged snacks, personal hygiene items, instant baby formula, toilet paper, emergency candles, first aid items, hand sanitizer and Tupperware bins large enough to hold belongings as they are found, Sharpies, over-the-counter medicine, gas for generators and oil and gas mixtures for chain saws. All items will be given to the American Red Cross.
• Christian Service Mission is accepting donations and recruiting volunteers. More details here.
• Blood donations are in high demand and can be made at The Red Cross Ridge Park Donor Center and UAB Hospital Blood Donation Center.
• The Pink House (across from V Richard’s in Forest Park) is making daily trips to Boutwell will be everyday for through next Thursday, May 5. The following items can be left on the porch: water, diapers, wipes, formula, can goods, prepackaged snacks, clothes and activity booklets for children.
• We can assist the East Lake neighborhood on Saturday from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. More information can be found on the Facebook event page.
• Jessica at www.dogingham.com is collecting crates, litter, leashes and collars for displaced pets in Alabama. You can contact her at dogingham@yahoo.com for details.