Blue-Tarping in Alabama

Harvest, Alabama continues to receive attention from Hope Force Reservists amidst the devastation that occurred on April 27 as tornadoes ripped through the region. HFI volunteers have come in from all over the country to help. Reservist teams continue to mobilize as they prepare for more "blue-tarping" in the hardest-hit towns of the region. Funds are being sought to assist in the purchase of supplies required to accommodate ongoing relief efforts.To make a donation, please click here.

Hope Force teams spent days searching through debris to help families find personal items. One family had lost every piece of identity they had ever owned in the tornado. After another long and challenging day in the disaster zone, the team was starting to wear out. The temperatures had been near 100 degrees all week as the sifted through the rubble. "It was a challenge for some of the team members to work in such treacherous circumstances," Reservist Marianne Lako recalls. "Piles of fallen brick, broken glass -- it can be a daunting task." She encouraged the team to come back early in the morning, when it was not so hot, and brave the difficult terrain again, in search of vital family items.

"The team called me to tell me they had found a passport and social security card!" Marianne recalls. "Then it was Navy discharge papers, and more. We called the family, who was staying 1 1/2 hours away.  The wife screamed on the phone with joy. It was one of those moments I wish I had taped the phone call -- there was such jubilation and rejoicing on the other end of the line. They immediately jumped in their car and drove down to meet us." Click here to see dramatic photo images from the tornado zone. 

Please pray for the families of those who have lost their lives -- literally hundreds -- and for the necessary relief and recovery that will be taking place in the days and weeks ahead.