Area residents help the displaced

Volunteers come out to help those displaced by the string of tornadoes that hit the area Wednesday, April 27,

Four days later, the Monrovia Community Center is still going strong.

Spearheaded by County Commissioner Dale Strong, hundreds upon hundreds of volunteers from around Madison County are lending their time to help those who were affected by the splurge of tornadoes and storms that shook the area Wednesday, April 27.

“Everybody has just been so willing to help out. They have needs at their own homes, but they came here wanting to help their neighbors,” said Laura Strong, wife of the commissioner.  “They’ve shown such tremendous sacrifice and tremendous selflessness.”

Since Thursday, buses of volunteers have been shipped out to the Toney, Harvest and Monrovia areas to deliver food and assist with yard work.

Billy McAnally and his grandson, 14-year-old Eric Wooden came from the Harvest area with axes and chainsaws, ready to work.

“I heard they were asking for volunteers, so we got our equipment and came out,” McAnally said.

Volunteers have also provided meals to public workers such as police offers and sheriff’s deputies, and those displaced by the storms.

Huntsville resident Tom O’Donnell volunteered his time to help out with the effort.

“What else am I going to do?” he said. “This has been a heartwarming. People have been pulling up all day with food from their freezers. It’s just incredible.”

Strong said they would offer help until everyone’s needs are met.

If anyone is interested in volunteering, come to the Monrovia Community Center located at 254 Allen Drake Drive 35806, at 8 a.m.