By Paul Bello
Staff writer
Thursday, May 19, 2011

Courtney McLain grew up in Missouri, but loves everything about Alabama. Whenever visiting her aunt and uncle in Huntsville, she always makes a point of taking in the culture and people around her. It is why this part of the U.S. is such a special place, she said.

Tornados with winds estimated from 170 to 200 mph ripped through much of the south last month, killing hundreds of people and devastating the lives of many more. The majority of deaths reported have been in Alabama, where at least 200 people have been killed, McLain said.

While Huntsville sustained minor damage and lost power, Tuscaloosa, Ala., was the state’s hardest-hit area. The city was stunned by the devastation that not only hit homes and commercial areas, but destroyed much of the city’s public works infrastructure – including the city’s emergency management administration headquarters.

Her family in Huntsville may be okay, but many of McLain’s friends in Tuscaloosa are not. Their homes and lives have changed forever as a result of the devastation. Along with two cousins from Arlington, Va., McLain is dedicating her time to helping those affected by this tragedy.

She started a donation drive on Fort Belvoir, where she has lived for the past three years, in hopes of spreading goodwill to those who need it most. The group has collected a lot of clothing so far. But, McLain said victims need non-perishable items and other necessities to get back on track.

“People can’t get out and get items for themselves. The tornado inflicted so much damage and some communities are dealing with approximately four feet of water. They will be digging out for a while,” McLain said. “I’m hoping to pull my military family together here and see if anyone in the Belvoir community can help. Even a little help will go a long way.”

McLain said victims and volunteers who are working around the clock in Tuscaloosa have requested water, baby food, diapers, batteries, insect repellant, tarps, peanut butter and two-way radios.

A truck is scheduled to deliver items from the Washington, D.C. area to a warehouse in the ravaged city Memorial Day weekend, she said. McLain also plans on driving down to Alabama in July with more supplies when she volunteers to help clean up and help at local shelters.

“It’s heart-wrenching what happened down there. I’ve seen it with my own eyes and the amount of devastation is incredible,” McLain said. “This is a time for us to come together and offer help where we can. For those who donate, your generosity will be felt and appreciated by so many people.”

Anyone interested in donating can call McLain at 202-285-4874 or email novacares@gmail.com to schedule a date and time to drop off items at her home on post. Monetary donations can be made to local chapters of the American Red Cross or Salvation Army, McLain said.

Updates on Alabama relief efforts are also be available by visiting www.toomersfortuscaloosa.com and through www.facebook.com/alabamatornadorelief.