Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1498572
11 people to come in and pick up two of each item. We have our center set up like a store, so residents can come in and easily find what they need." APSO chapters in service together Helping the community with basic needs was just the start, Smith said. Several APSO chapters statewide – starting with Southern and Western – plan additional supply drives. "A lot of the centers and shelters will be running out of supplies," Smith noted. "Western APSO volunteers in the Tuscaloosa area are looking to help." APSO created an account with the APCO Employees Credit Union that allows employees to donate funds to Selma. Several chapters are planning "boots on the ground" projects this spring to help homeowners clear their yards of debris. "The streets are clear and people can drive, but there is lots of debris on the roadsides. Residents are still clearing away branches and tree limbs," Smith said. "Citizens are ready to get their lives back together." Smith's biggest concern is that citizens may become discouraged and decide to try to rebuild their lives elsewhere. Many residents were depending on temporary shelter and sleeping arrangements at his alma mater, Selma High School, where the American Red Cross created a staging area. "Somehow, the tornado either passed over or around the school," Smith said. "Hopefully, when people find someplace to go and Selma begins rebuilding, they will return. We don't want Selma to become a ghost town because of this storm that came through." The day of that infamous tornado, even meteorologists could not have gauged the full impact on Selma. "If there was a shining moment after it was over with, it was that the sun came out that afternoon," Smith said. "I am thinking the Lord was saying … 'Selma is going through this, but I'm going to shine a light at the enemy, I'm going to spare lives over in this area.' "But Selma's going to grow back stronger," he said. "It has to." By Donna Cope Stay informed of all the happenings on and around the water with our Shorelines website and app. Enjoy the water that's helping to power a better Alabama. Follow us online and outside Visit apcshorelines.com or download the app today.