Samford University in Birmingham is playing host to hundreds of American Red Cross volunteers who are in the Birmingham area to assist with tornado recovery efforts.
Since April 30, folding cots have dotted the floors of Bashinsky Field House, Pete Hanna Center and Cooney Family Field House to accommodate a total of about 700 volunteers.
On May 4, Samford officials received an e-mail from Dottie Dreyer, a volunteer from Gainesville, Fla., expressing appreciation for the hospitality that has been extended to her and her fellow American Red Cross volunteers.
Her note reads, in part:
“Your generosity has made it possible for us to have a place to stay while working to help the people affected by the terrible disaster that took place with the recent tornadoes. … I was especially touched by your willingness to share not only the gymnasium for sheltering the past four nights, but opening up the locker rooms and laundry as well.
“While sleeping with 200 other folks on cots in the gym is not the most desirable place to be, your granting of guest Internet privileges has also been most helpful to us in staying in touch with our loved ones at home.
“I had dinner at your cafeteria tonight and was amazed at the great selections of food and the friendliness of the students and staff there. Thank you for all your efforts in this time where we all must pull together to help those most in need.”
Samford campus recreation director Nick Madsen, who oversees Bashinsky Field House, has been touched by kind words from other volunteers.
“They are easy to work with, and very appreciative of everything Samford is doing,” said Madsen, who noted at press time that the campus expected to host its hard-working and tired guests at least through May 9.
In addition to Florida, volunteers housed at Samford have come from several other states, including South Carolina, Michigan and California. (SU)
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