Concordia College students Kendrick Wright and Marla Arrington count some of the donations left after their school’s chapel service Friday. — Desiree Taylor
Students from Concordia College-Selma collected monetary donations and care packages of bottled water and non-perishable food items Friday afternoon to deliver to victims of Wednesday’s tornado devastation. Concordia’s Spiritual Life group and Student Government Association spearheaded the cause, helping students from Concordia with ties to the area, and sending out prayers to other affected families. The group will collect donations every Monday, Friday and Sunday until mid-May.
Russell Elser, with the SGA and Mr. Concordia College 2011, said the destruction in northern Alabama hit home for Concordia students.“Students here had missing cousins and other family members’ whose homes were damaged,” Elser said. “It’s just mindboggling to see this happen to people you know and talk to everyday. I’m overwhelmed.”
Elser also said his organization has partnered with FEMA and other Lutheran organizations to collect as much as they can for tornado victims. “We’ll make a quick trip today and then we’ll continue to go back in the future to bring clothing, blankets and other necessities,” Elser said. “We want to do as much as we can for who we can.” Christine Weerts, director of development and communications, said students started seeking donations from the community Thursday and the effort has been inspiring.
“We’re asking faculty, staff and students to give donations to show the demonstration of faith and God’s love for people in need,” Weerts said.
The group left around 2 p.m. Friday. They will continue trips to Tuscaloosa for the next couple of weeks. For more information on how you can help the efforts call 874-5700.
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