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Friday, April 29, 2011

Devastation in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee

The homeland of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, along with its trust lands in Cherokee and Graham counties largely escaped damage brought on by a devastating wave of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes Wednesday. Residents of north Alabama, north Georgia and east Tennessee were not so lucky. The tribe does have members residing in those three states, and it's not much of a stretch to say that they were impacted in some way.
The city of Tuscaloosa, Ala. was hit particularly hard. Having graduated from Auburn, I've always looked at the home of the University of Alabama with a certain animosity. However, that animosity begins and ends with sports. The residents of this town are hurting and need enormous assistance to rebuild.
While there are numerous ways to help, I'd like to point out one group that started close to my childhood home in Opelika, Ala. It's Toomers for Tuscaloosa (named for Toomers Corner in Auburn). While they haven't yet set up an fund for donations, they do have lots of information about places for donations. I strongly recommend you visit. I also challenge our current tribal leaders and candidates who are challenging them to donate to relief efforts. While it could possibly help out a tribal member impacted by these storms, it definitely will help out fellow human beings impacted by an unimaginable tragedy.

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