Cedar Island Students Help Victims of AL Tornadoes

Across the state of Alabama, many homes and businesses were left in shambles after a fierce tornado outbreak at the end of April. The storms killed almost 300 people in six states, according to media reports.

Those survivors haven’t been forgotten. 

Several local women who wanted to help have organized collection areas at Maple Grove’s and at several Brooklyn Park locations, such as the Community Activity Center.

“We were planning a garage sale and then we heard the news of the tornadoes and decided to donate everything we had planned to sell. We felt for the victims who were left with nothing,” Hope Raburn said.

Raburn started reaching out to see who could help host drop off areas, first on the list was Cedar Island Elementary. The school's principal, Dan Wald, supported the efforts and made space for the donation boxes outside the school office. 

“This was a no-brainer. I knew this was a cause worth supporting and getting behind,” Wald said. 

It’s more than just helping those in need, Wald said. It’s about teaching the kids a life lesson. He said its been "heart warming" to watch the students bring clothes and canned goods for the collection.

“We know the need is there and by participating, we are modeling for our children," Wald said. "We are teaching by what we do. We want them to grow up being model citizens."

Raburn says she has hopes to fill a truck with the donations and deliver it to those who have been struggling to put their lives back together since the tornadoes struck.  

“You never know when this could happen to you," she said. "It’s just so important to help others when possible. We don’t have millions in the bank, but just to know we are helping a little bit and making a difference feels amazing."