In the wake of last month’s devastating tornados that ravaged parts of Alabama and Georgia, some groups in the community have joined in the relief effort.

St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church collected clothing, toiletries, non-perishable food and other supplies for those who had lost their homes or were displaced by the storms.

Parishioner Jean Smith, who works at the St. Elizabeth’s thrift store, spearheaded the effort.

"The storms hit on a Wednesday, and that Thursday I worked at the thrift store and the donations were pouring in,” she said. “And Saturday the donations were pouring in. So I thought, here we have all this stuff — clothes, shoes, baby goods, and I mean just an abundance of it that's been donated to us — why not pack this stuff up and send it over there?"

So pack it up they did. Another parishioner donated a trailer for the items, and it was filled over the past few weeks with items from the thrift store and those donated by the community. At the time of our interview, Smith hoped to have the trailer filled and sent out by Monday.
"St. Elizabeth, our patron saint, had a real heart for ministering to those who had been dispossessed ... so in a sense, we're living up to her ministry,” said Clark Hubbard, church rector.

Richmond Hill Girl Scout Troop 30417 also is collecting items for tornado victims. The family of troop leader Carrie Works and Scout Katie Works, 9, was affected by one of the Alabama tornados.

Carrie explained that the events inspired the troop to do the collection as their community service project.

"I really felt like we needed to do something to help," she said.

A drop box has been set up at New Beginnings Community Church (75 Crosswinds Drive, at the Buckhead North subdivision) and will remain there for donations through May 30.

The Scouts of Troop 30417 will be on hand at the church this Saturday, May 21 from 1-4 p.m. to collect items and donations in person. Needed items include bottled water, diapers, baby formula, non-perishable food, wipes, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies, and flip-flops or shoes.

Works and fellow troop leader, Annie Stevens, will personally deliver to Alabama everything collected, and while there, help with cleanup and relief efforts.

Each of the Scouts is enthusiastic about helping and expressed how they felt about their project.

“It makes me feel better because I’m helping my family,” said Katie Works.

“It’s good to know I’m helping people that have nothing,” said Angelina Stevens, 10.

“It’s nice to help people,” added Nicolette Kenton, 10.