By Dale Barnett
Elmore/Autauga News
Since the terrible storms and tornadoes that devastated parts of Wetumpka and Elmore County back in 2011, there has been a huge need for charitable assistance for many citizens in Elmore County. This was the driving force by District Court Judge Glenn Goggans to establish a fund to help fellow citizens with uncovered storm damage.
Judge Goggans helped establish the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund and has been the volunteer Director since 2011. Goggans stressed that with the help of Elmore County Sheriff Bill Franklin, the police departments, volunteer fire departments and County Emergency Management Agency, the fund has been assisted in identifying those citizens that truly have needed the most assistance.
Goggans said that with EMA Director Keith Barnett and David Brunson, State EMA Deputy Director, checking all the properties to inspect the damages, it really pinpoints the locations damaged that might not be covered by insurance, along with the families that have lost clothes, food and furniture. The Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization and donations are tax deductible.
The Relief Fund has contributed over $450,000 since 2011 and currently the fund has less than $40,000. With recent storms, there are Elmore County citizens who could use some relief for property damage not covered by insurance.
Goggans advised that anyone or any business that wishes to make monetary donations, you can go by any First Community Bank of Central Alabama to make a donation. The main branch is located at 715 Wilson Street in Wetumpka and President Michael Morgan and his staff will be glad to assist with anyone seeking to make a donation.
The bank has branches in Millbrook, Holtville, Eclectic, Tallassee and Prattville which can also assist in making donations. Donations by check only can also be mailed to the Elmore County EMA office at PO Box 1060, Wetumpka, Alabama 36092 and should be marked for the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund. Online donations can be made at https://cacfinfo.org/give/elmore-county-tornado-relief/?fbclid=IwAR2nnZtBR6VxqTM8dKeFSpTYLYwCSFNZqd5as4OCyUTML7oZ7BXLCRgNDzI
To learn more about the organization, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ElmoreCountyDisasterReliefFund
Goggans shared that βOver 50 homes and properties have been affected by the latest storms and we still have the rest of the year where it is always possible for severe storms to come through our County. Every dollar goes to those needing assistance and the Fund does not use any money for any other costsβ.
About Judge Goggans: Judge Goggans serves as one of Elmore Counties District Judges. He has served in this position for 10 years. Prior to that Judge Goggans served 16 years in the Nineteenth Circuit (Autauga, Chilton, Elmore counties) as an Assistant and Chief Assistant District Attorney. He also serves as Pastor of Mitts Chapel Baptist Church.
He and his wife Delane have three boys; Will age 22 and twins Andrew and Ben, age 20. Delane is Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Elmore County.
Goggans received his undergraduate and M.B.A. degrees from Jacksonville State University. He received his law degree from the University of Alabama School of Law. He also holds a Master of Divinity degree from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.
He also serves as President of the Elmore County Disaster Relief Fund, and has been involved with the Lions Club, Elmore County Food Bank and other civic and charitable organizations.
