BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
https://www.facebook.com/messenger_media… This video shows one of the hardest hit areas in Autauga County along CR 68. Video by Josh Tatum.
I try every day to post at least one thing about kindness on the Elmore/Autauga News Facebook page or our website. Usually, it is something I find that I can share straight to the page.
I don’t have to look hard for LOCAL information since the tornadoes Jan. 12.
Overwhelming amounts of people have come from all across the state to help. But it is the lone person riding around with a chainsaw, stopping at homes asking if they need help, and not wanting any money for it. That is the one that is getting to me in a wonderful way.
I was in Missouri when the storms came, and immediately my phone exploded with friends calling me to ask where they need to go, what could they do? We got home late last night and I have been filtering through emails and messages.
So many stories to share, but I can promise you one thing. There are some amazingly big-hearted people out there right now cleaning up debris, bringing food, donating items, praying and checking on strangers.
One of my close friends was out there and told me Friday, “I just cannot believe all of the people out here,” and then he stopped to compose himself. “Color doesn’t matter today. I cannot believe how many four-wheelers, side by sides and pick up trucks are out here. They are literally coming out of the woods, carrying equipment. Trees are down blocking roads, but that is not stopping them. They are making a way.”
Several of my friends were out immediately to offer help, and they are working on little sleep, little food but not giving up. Many of them dealt with their own damage on some level.
Our first responders, Emergency Medical personal, and Emergency Management Agencies have been amazing. This will be a long road to recovery, but they are determined there will be recovery.
Many are still calling asking what they can do. We are posting any new information we can find, and repeating information when necessary on the Facebook page and the website at elmoreautauganews.com.
Please scan through all the articles, and not just ones at the top.
We will continue to share any new information. Please keep praying, doing whatever you can. Thank you to the multitude of churches, businesses and individuals who are doing everything they can to help. One person cannot save everyone, but together our communities across Autauga and Elmore Counties are proving that much can be done. There is much left to do. Thank you and Bless you all.
