JSU Rallies Behind Lee County Tornado Victims

03/05/2019

In a scene all too familiar to the Jacksonville State community, rural Lee County, Ala., was hit by four tornadoes - including a catastrophic EF-4 - on Sunday afternoon. There are 23 known fatalities and at least 63 injuries associated with the storm.

"Our hearts go out to the people of Lee County, including our friends at nearby Auburn University,” said President John M. Beehler. "We received an outpouring of love and support from the people of this region when our campus was struck by an EF-3 tornado almost a year ago. I encourage the Gamecock family to rally behind our neighbors to the South and return their great kindness.”

Those interested in volunteering should sign up through Samaritan’s Purse. The Community Foundation of East Alabama has established a recovery fund for storm victims and is accepting cash donations. The JSU Office of Community Engagement is working to organize a donation drive and group volunteering effort.

“We all know how overwhelming that first day or two can be,” said Andy Green, director of community engagement. “Managing donations and volunteers can become a distraction in those early hours. I am working with local authorities to ensure we don’t get in the way or provide unneeded items. Working together, we can have a greater impact on our fellow Alabamians during this stressful time.”

If your office, club or organization would like to get involved, contact Andy Green at green@jsu.edu.