The EF-3 tornado that hit Birmingham area communities in Fultondale, Pinson and Center Point the night of January 25, 2021 were devastating to local residents. At least one person died and more than 30 were injured in the late night storm that brought winds in excess of 150 mph.

"We have 265 residential structures affected," said Fultondale Fire Chief Justin McKenzie. "Of that 265 we have 65 that were completely destroyed." Five local businesses were decimated and over 60 sustained damage.

Many national and community organizations, churches, media outlets and individuals are stepping up to assist survivors. Here are some of the ways you can help.

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Donate Supplies

As of Tuesday, February 1st, the City of Fultondale has received so many donations of physical supplies, there is now a dire need for volunteers to help sort items so they can be made available to those who need them. Volunteers are asked to report to the distribution center wearing warm layers with a permanent marker to mark through barcodes to prevent items from being returned to stores for profit. Volunteers ages 8 and up are welcome to assist. The distribution center is located at:

Fultondale Gas Warehouse
1390 Arwood Drive
Fultondale, AL 35068

Donations of items may be dropped off at the warehouse between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The center cannot accept any more water or clothing and they ask that you check expiration dates to ensure items may be used. The supplies that are currently needed include:

  • Hygiene Products
  • Diapers and Wipes
  • Ensure
  • Formula
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Pet Food
  • Trash Bags
  • Work Gloves
  • Tarps
  • Gatorade
  • Protein Bars
  • Pillows and Blankets
  • Laundry Detergent
  • Plastic Totes
  • Socks
  • Gallon Size Ziploc Bags
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Face Masks
  • First Aid Supplies such as Tylenol, Advil, etc.
  • Jackets
  • Sheets
  • Flashlights

The City of Center Point is accepting donations of supplies at:
Center Point City Hall
2209 Center Point Parkway

The City of Pinson is accepting donations at Rusk Mobile Home Park Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Donations will be distributed through appropriate agencies with help extended to neighbors in Center Point and Fultondale.

Boutwell Auditorium is also being used as a drop-off location for items. The address is 1930 Abraham Woods Blvd. Organizers will collect items from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday, Feb. 1 through Wednesday, Feb. 3. Motorists may drive up and someone will remove the items from their vehicle. Christian Service Mission will transport the items. Clothes will not be accepted.

The following non-perishable items will be collected:

  • Canned goods
  • Garden rakes
  • Large trash bags
  • Work gloves
  • Masks
  • Hand sanitizer and wipes
  • Disinfectants
  • Small tarps
  • Individually wrapped snack items

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Donate Funds

The City of Fultondale is asking for Visa/MasterCard gift card, check, and cash donations. Please make checks out to the city of Fultondale and reference “Tornado Relief” on the memo. Monetary donations can be sent to:

Fultondale City Hall
1210 Walker Chapel Road
Fultondale, AL 35058

The City of Center Point is accepting monetary donations. Checks can be made to The City of Center Point and sent to:

Center Point City Hall
2209 Center Point Parkway
Center Point, AL 35215

Monetary donations can also be made through the United Way of Central Alabama.

Donations can also be made by text by texting TORNADO to 62644

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Give Your Time

The United way of Central Alabama is coordinating volunteer efforts. Volunteers must be 18 years old and older and should not have had any exposure or symptoms of COVID-19. Volunteers can register here.

Visit American Red Cross Mid-Alabama for additional opportunities to help.

The Birmingham Salvation Army is also providing support.

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More Information

If you have any questions you cannot find the answers to, please call Fultondale City Hall @ (205) 841-4481, or you may continue to contact Jessica Mullins Barnes via text at (205) 602-0311.

The City of Fultondale expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support on its Facebook page, "Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to everyone who has shown up and shown out this week. We are abundantly blessed with an amazing community that always pulls together for its own. We love you all."

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