The weather tragedy of April 27 has affected all of us across the country, whether directly or indirectly. During difficult times as these, we see and hear about many wonderful acts of compassion for our fellow man. No act is too small or unappreciated. But your willingness to assist may be tempered by not knowing what to do. We hope to solve that dilemma for those along the Alabama Gulf Coast as we encourage you to participate in our collection drive.

As many are aware, Meyer Real Estate has partnered with The Hangout and 92 ZEW to bring free shows to the Hangout every Saturday night leading up to the Hangout Music Festival. So we have also partnered with them plus Mod Mobilian to make last Saturday’s and again this Saturday’s Road to The Hangout show a collection event for relief items needed in Cullman, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa and outlying areas.

Last Sunday morning, Meyer buses and drivers transported three buses full of items collected for these storm-ravaged cities. Again this Sunday, May 8, we will take at least two buses—yes, we’d love to take more if we can!—full of supplies to help our neighbors during this time of crisis.

You are invited to bring donations to The Hangout for a free Road to The Hangout concert this Saturday at 7 p.m., featuring Megan McCormick and Saints of Valory, but donations will be gratefully accepted any day during business hours. Through midnight, Saturday, May 7, you may drop items off at The Hangout or Meyer Real Estate in Gulf Shores, or until 11 p.m. that night at The Blind Mule in Mobile. Please consider donating any of the suggested items listed below.

Last weekend we helped to raise $5500 for the Red Cross at a special benefit with Amos Lee at WorkPlay in Birmingham, as part of The Road to The Hangout concert series. Plans are underway for another such benefit concert there on May 13, with Moon Taxi providing great music and fun. We’ll share information as soon as we can, so please watch for details regarding that event.

THANK YOU to everyone stepping up to help our friends, families and guests in these affected areas. Please help however you can.

Ideas for items to donate:

• non-perishable food items (those that do not require cooking)
• prepackaged snack items that can be handed out
• flashlights
• batteries
• all sizes and ages of clothing, including new underwear
• cleaning supplies
• baby bottles
• diapers
• toiletries
• bottled water
• cots
• new sleeping bags
• new blankets
• new sheets
• new pillows
• camping items
• small camping grills and utensils
• suitcases
• moving and storage boxes

If you would like to make a cash donation, please text Redcross to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross. To send cash or learn of other fundraising events, visit their site at AlabamaRedCross.org. To donate blood, enter your zip code at RedCrossBlood.org to find a local donation site.