The Community Foundation of South Alabama is accepting donations to the Disaster Relief Fund to provide assistance to the coastal communities of South Alabama impacted by the BP oil drilling disaster. A river of oil is pouring into the Gulf of Mexico and the size of the spill continues to grow.

Your tax deductible contribution will support nonprofit organizations that provide critical response activities and long term support to affected communities. The Fund will provide the financial resources necessary to address the economic, environmental and cultural effects of the oil spill disaster and sustain long term recovery efforts critical to the health of our region.

The livelihoods of thousands of families in South Alabama depend upon healthy oyster beds, shrimping, fishing and tourism. As the oil slick spreads, federal and state waters are being closed which prevents fisherman from earning a living at the height of the season which traditionally generates the majority of their income. Visitors travel to the Gulf Coast and invest millions of dollars in the region expecting white sandy beaches, deep sea fishing, fresh seafood and the smell of saltwater. Many visitors have canceled trips planned to the Gulf Coast and are spending their money elsewhere.

This disaster will have a long term economic impact on the businesses and industries that are vital to the sustainability of our coastal communities. Without work, our neighbors face the threat of home foreclosure and the ability to feed their families. The far reaching impact of this man-made catastrophe will affect us all.

Make a secure online donation to the Disaster Relief Fund using Just Give.

Click here to Donate Now.

You can also mail contributions:

The Community Foundation of South Alabama

P.O. Box 990

Mobile, AL 36601-0990

Attn: Disaster Relief Fund

 

May 2010