IMG 0359 e1568377767495 Birmingham steps up: Truckloads of Dorian Hurricane relief aid is on its way — City of Birmingham Hurricane Dorian Relief efforts at Boutwell Auditorium on September 12, 2019. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

On September 9th, the City of Birmingham, along with Christian Service Mission, SummitMedia, United Way Hands On and countless local groups and citizens put out the call to support a Hurricane Dorian Supply Drive at Boutwell Auditorium.

Birmingham answered that call for help.

IMG 0345 Birmingham steps up: Truckloads of Dorian Hurricane relief aid is on its way — City of Birmingham Hurricane Dorian Relief efforts at Boutwell Auditorium on September 12, 2019. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

According to the city, truckloads of essential items ranging from toilet paper and diapers to bottled water and blankets were donated from September 9th to the 12th. On Tuesday alone, more than 33,000 pounds of relief supplies were shipped off to areas impacted by the hurricane.

IMG 0356 Birmingham steps up: Truckloads of Dorian Hurricane relief aid is on its way — City of Birmingham Hurricane Dorian Relief efforts at Boutwell Auditorium on September 12, 2019. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

Birmingham is an incredibly generous community. It is part of our DNA, that when we see people hurting – we want to help,” stated Drew Langloh, CEO and President of the United Way of Central Alabama.

He added, “The real heroes are the people like Don Lupo, the city employees, the fire fighters, and everybody who are out here donating their time to get this organized and make this happen. Really good help doesn’t just happen without the people behind the scenes . This crew are the real heroes.”

Birmingham’s Generosity

IMG 0364 Birmingham steps up: Truckloads of Dorian Hurricane relief aid is on its way — United Way’s (L to R) Kaitlyn Peterson, Samuetta Nesbitt and Drew Langloh. Photo by Pat Byington for Bham Now

In between, moving cases of diapers and bottled water from the relief drop-off area at Birmingham’s Historic Boutwell Auditorium, Don Lupo, director of the city of Birmingham’s Office of Citizen Assistance summed up the overwhelming response by Birmingham residents to help the victims of Dorian.

“We are so thankful to our citizens. Its the generosity. The love and caring. This is years of goodness. It is something the city believes in- something the mayor and council believe in.”

Want to Give?

Both the United Way of Central Alabama and Community Foundation have provided contacts of relief organizations working on the Dorian relief efforts. Visit these webpages to give:

United Way of Central Alabama
Community Foundation of Central Alabama