TUSCALOOSA DISASTER RELIEF WEBSITE, FUND ESTABLISHED
TUSCALOOSA, AL–The deadly tornado that struck the Tuscaloosa, AL community on April 27, 2011 has left a path of destruction. The death toll in our community currently stands at 52. In excess of 5000 residences and businesses have been completely destroyed or seriously damaged.
Recovery efforts will extend over many long months and financial assistance is desperately needed in the Tuscaloosa community.
The Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund has been established by the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization. The fund was created as a means for individuals and businesses to make tax-deductible contributions for basic human services and recovery efforts in the Tuscaloosa community and surrounding areas.
The website givetuscaloosa.com is available for making contributions electronically. Contributions may also be made by making checks payable to “Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund” and mailing them to P.O. Box 020410, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401. Call for more info.
The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Foundation will serve as the collection agent for all contributions and, after all funds are disbursed, will make available an audit conducted by an independent certified public accountant. Funds will be distributed to local agencies and non-profit service organizations at the direction of a broad-based and diverse group of civic leaders across the community. These service agencies will be requested to utilize the funds for basic human service needs and recovery efforts in the Tuscaloosa community and surrounding areas that were impacted by the tornado.
I felt so helpless watching the lives of others change forever. Knowing I can give something to the victims is in my control.
Hey, just donated to your site. Was curious, is this site back by the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce? Just want to make sure my money goes to the right place.
Thanks,
Patton, the Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund was set up as a 501 (c)3 just for that reason by the West Alabama Chamber and the City of Tuscaloosa. All of the fund go directly to the City of Tuscaloosa.
Need to make a quick correction to the post above. The funds will be dispursed only to qualifies 501c3 organization with the Tuscaloosa community and surruonding areas not to the City of Tuscaloosa. Additionally, the fund was established solely by The West Alabama Chamber Foundation.
Thanks for the quick reply! And thanks for spearheading this in response to such overwhelming tragedy. Money well spent. Or should I say invested. Tuscaloosa will be built back bigger and better than ever.
I have a bunch of wrinklef, but perfectly good clothes I have in garbage bags. I’d like to donate them somehow, but I’m in Michigan. What’s the best way to do this?
^ Correction… wrinkled, not wrinklef.
Molly, We will see if anyone has set up a drop off point in Michigan. As soon as we have some information we will get it back to you. Thanks for your willingness to help.
Does any of this money go to the County?
Shannon, Yes. The funds will go to the Tuscaloosa community and surrounding areas.
Is there a drop-off site in Atlanta? I’m happy to help organize one. Please contact me!
drop off areas around montgomery?
After I heard the stories and saw the footage of displaced famillies and pets, it broke my heart that so many people are left with nothing. I decided to allocate the funds I was going to spend on a new pair of shoes for myself and instead donated that money to the Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund and Humane Society of Alabama. I figured I can go without a new pair of shoes if that means helping others get their lives back. You are all in my thoughts and I’m so sorry for your losses!
I am a UA student in the Chicagoland area, and would love to set up a drop off in the area or help in any other way I can. If there is any information I need on how to help I would really appreciate it!
Anyone out there that can help Sophia set up something in her area, we would greatly appreciate it!!! Thanks Sophia…
Need Federal ID # for the Tuscaloosa Disaster Relief Fund for tax purposes. I understand the actual organization was established by the West Alabama Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)3 organization, so we need their Fed Tax ID # Thanks
Someone will be emailing you that information shortly. Thanks for your support!
Does Paypal charge the Foundation for donations made through them?
They have set us at a fixed rate of 2.2%. If you would like you can mail a check and it will go 100 percent towards the relief.
If Paypal charges, SHAME ON THEM!! I’ll donate in another way.
We would like information on how to become a drop off point for supplies from the community we are in. We are in Stuart Florida.
Thank you
Gary Holder
Service Manager
Carl’s Buick GMC
Can you send me a Federal Tax ID # and also a contact name? I need this information for my A/P department.
Tammy, Some one will have that emailed to you first thing tomorrow morning. Thanks so much for your support.
I have read two different answers to this question in the comments…
Does the money go towards Tuscaloosa only or to the entire West Alabama?
The money will go towards all of West Alabama.
Hey Robin! Thanks for letting us know. We took that information down.
I do not see on your website the Fed ID number for being a 501(c)(3). I see you have said you would provide it, but I couldn’t find it. Are you a 501(c)(3)? If so, I need the tax number before I ask people for money. I am a fund raising consultant and this is information a donor prospect wants to know and see.
Tim, the Disaster Relief Fund is run through the West Alabama Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. To find the Federal Tax ID number, please contact the chamber by phone at or by e-mail at . Thank you for your efforts to raise funds for tornado relief!
I want to make a contribution in memory of someone. Do you send acknowledgement letters to the family of the person being memorialized?
If someone wants to come down and help over Memorial Day weekend, who do you contact?
Thanks for your support Lisa! Please contact the Volunteer Reception Center for more information about volunteer opportunities.
I am going to be spearheading a collection of supplies in our community & will be bringing them in a box truck filled with supplies to bring to your town & wasn’t sure where I should bring it to in the next month. Any insight would be wonderful! Thanks You & God Bless
You can come by the Chamber of Commerce (2200 University Blvd.) and we will take care of it. Give us a heads up and call to let us know you’re on your way.
I am helping to organize a fundraiser and silent auction June 11, 2011 at the Tuscaloosa Central High School Class of 1991 reunion. The proceeds will be going to Give Tuscaloosa. We would like a representative from Give Tuscaloosa to attend the event and possibly take donations. With whom do I arrange this? Thanks!
Rebecca – Give Tracy Crumpton a call at or email her at to work out the details.
Our elementary school held a walk-a-thon to raise money for our upcoming school year and we would like to donate 1/2 of it to Tuscaloosa. Our elementary school is kindergarten thru six grade and we would like to show the students what their money was used for. Is there any way we can get pictures emailed to us of some of the relief efforts that you are doing or something specific our funds would be used for (like food or clothes or rebuilding/clean up efforts)
Thank you,
My son, Nick, was so moved by the article in Sports Illustrated that he campaigned in the last week of school for “project Tuscaloosa” and “pennies for Tuscaloosa” in his third grade class, my work site, and my husband’s work site. In one week, he raised over $250 to be donated to your cause. I often have conversations with moms about teaching our kids to think beyond themselves. I was so proud when he did this because it showed me that the potential is there for him to care for others and want to help in times of need. Thanks for your article and a chance to talk to you. Cheryl
Is there an email address for Robin Jenkins?
Robin’s email is
Thanks for your support!