Rolling Relief to collect items for storm victims Sunday

The storms came early this year – and with a fury.

The powerful weather system that rolled across the eastern United States last Friday took about 40 lives and caused millions of dollars of property damage, leaving many homeless.

Northern Alabama was once again the “tornado alley” of the South, suffering significant twister damage.

And Madison County residents — just like last year — are aiming to lend a hand to help.

The Rolling Relief effort plans to take a trailer full of relief supplies to the devastated region just north of Huntsville, Ala. Relief supplies could also be transported to areas in Kentucky and Indiana that were hit hard by the storms.

“We want these people to be clean, fed, healthy, warm and sheltered,” said Jody Blackmon, who is leading the effort.

A collection day was held recently to fill a trailer in preparation of the storm season, but the turnout was not enough to have a trailer ready.

And another collection day is being planned to get help to those hurt by the storms last week.

That collection will be held from 2 p.m. until dark Sunday, March 11, across from the depot in Colbert.

Supplies needed include: (new) non-perishable food items, soft drinks/bottled water, batteries (C and D) size, first aid supplies and sunscreen, hand sanitizer, toiletries/hygiene products, new clothing; (new or used) coolers, bedding, blankets, sleeping bags, ropes, tarps, tents, chain or handsaws, gloves and flashlights.