Northport Mayor Collecting Donations For Sawyerville Tornado Victims

NORTHPORT, AL — Northport Mayor Bobby Herndon is once again collecting donations for those impacted by severe weather, after a tornado caused widespread destruction in neighboring Hale County, killing one and injury eight others on Thursday.

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Herndon posted on Facebook Friday that donations were being accepted in his office, which will continue Saturday until 5 p.m.

Donations can be dropped off at Herndon's personal business office, located at 2728 Lurleen B Wallace Boulevard in Northport.

Herndon visited the Sawyerville community Thursday to get a firsthand look at the destruction, to better assess the needs of those on the ground. He expressed pride when he recalled pulling up to a volunteer fire department — a staging area for donations — and welcomed by people saying "Northport is here!"

Known throughout the region for his generosity, the Northport mayor has undertaken similar efforts throughout his career, most recently for victims of a devastating tornados in Bibb County and the city of Fultondale.

In explaining the needs of those in Sawyerville, Herndon said there is no need for water. He also discouraged donating used clothes.

Herdon said he will have a trailer set up collecting donations — such as food and toiletries — and said he would be able to make daily deliveries since Sawyerville is only an hour away. .

"You guys are known in several states as the most caring community anywhere," Herndon said to Northport residents on Facebook. "You are awesome!"

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