Montgomery Federation steps up to the plate

The Jewish Federation of Central Alabama, based in Montgomery, is reaching out to tornado-damaged communities in the central part of the state. Among the needs the Montgomery group has met is large plastic storage containers so those who live in tents can store their donated food and not worry about rats getting into it.

The Federation has also partnered with the Family Guidance Center of Alabama, which is making its counseling services free of charge.

Helen Rowe, mayor of Eclectic, was to join the Federation’s May 12 Israel Independence Day celebration, and storm victims and cleanup volunteers from around Eclectic were invited to attend free of charge.

Also attending the event is Jim Ray, executive director of Children’s Harbor, which hosts 18 camps for children with different illnesses and conditions, at its Lake Martin facility. On May 22, volunteers from the Jewish communities in Montgomery and Birmingham will move furniture back into repaired cabins, in time for the first camp of the season. Cohen’s Appliances and Electronics will be providing moving trucks and hand-trucks. For more information on volunteering, contact the Federations of Montgomery or Birmingham.