Alabama is no stranger when it comes to tornadoes. They have ripped families apart and destroyed communities time and time again.
The deadly storm that hit Lee County on Sunday was no different. It claimed at least 23 lives, with the youngest being only 6 years old, and flattened whole communities.
Crews are hard at work and resources have begun pouring in to rebuild the areas affected.
Though this catastrophy has wreaked havoc on Lee County, it has also been a testament to the strength of this community. Auburn University campus organizations, from the Honors College to the Black Student Union, came together to accept toiletries and necessities, while offering their time to help with with cleanup and repair.
Trained volunteers came to cut back debris and provide meals. So many supplies poured in that the Auburn Dream Center had to pause all intake of donations.
This is what community is all about. The world is full of diversity, but it is still sometimes easy to forget that we are all human and have an obligation to help our brothers and sisters when they are in need.
The race, religion and sexual orientations of the victims were unknown. The only thing the community knew was that people needed help, and so they came.
No matter how different people are from us, the mission to promote love and humility is felt throughout this community, as evident through their efforts this week.
Two things can happen when tragedies like this occur. A community can separate and fail or come together and rise. Lee County has chosen the latter.
Because of this choice, families that have lost everything, including love ones, can be reminded that in a time of pain and hopelessness, they are surrounded by a community of love and hope that is ready to help them heal.
Tyler Ward is a freshman in political science.
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