On the evening of April 7th, my family experienced a house fire in our childhood home in Saraland. First and foremost, everyone is safe, and we are incredibly grateful that no one was hurt. That is what matters most. We are now beginning the overwhelming process of rebuilding and recovering. A large portion of the home was destroyed, and the rest sustained significant smoke and water damage. While there is hope that some items can be salvaged, nearly everything will require extensive cleaning and storage as the home is rebuilt. Many irreplaceable items have unfortunately been lost. If you know Ladye or Alan, you know that asking for help does not come easily to them. However, we have already experienced such an outpouring of love and support from friends, family, churches, and the community, and we are so grateful. Because so many people have asked how they can help, I created this page to serve as a central place for needs over the coming weeks and months. My parents are currently staying in a hotel have started the process of replacing essential clothing and everyday items, as everything from the home must be sorted, cleaned, or replaced. Thank you all for your kindness, support, and care during such a difficult season. It truly means more than we can express. While any support is deeply appreciated, our family is fortunate to have insurance to help cover the rebuild. If you are looking for ways to help, meals and specific items listed on this page would be the most helpful during this time. For any questions or you would like to help, please call or text me (Morgan) directly instead of my parents so I can can coordinate and keep things as simple as possible for them. 251-605-7726. My parents are handling a high volume of insurance calls and logistics and may not be able to answer!
Please contact Morgan 251-605-7726 or Preston instead of Ladye or Alan for any questions or coordinating donations so they can focus on working with insurance and other time-sensitive tasks. Deliveries can be dropped off at TownePlace Suites by Marriott Mobile Saraland (2954 Towneship Blvd) and front desk can accept deliveries! If you are donating other items, you may be able to drop it off at the house. UPDATED NEEDS 4/17: * Meals! They have been LOVING the meals that everyone has been bringing. You can sign up at the meal train down below. * Borax * Storage bins (medium or large) * Packing paper and bubble wrap * Parchment paper * Hangers (especially the plastic one with the metal hook) If you already have extras at home that you want to get rid of (no need to buy anything new!): * Plastic food containers (any old tupperware, etc * Clothes racks Lastly, some advice/recommendations needed: * If you have any recommendations for grandfather clock restoration company or person, please send them our way! Picture below too. Again - thank you all SO MUCH for the outpouring of love and support and donations that we have already received. For those who have asked how they can help at the house, there are some tasks that can use extra hands this weekend and next week. If anyone is looking to spend some time chatting while packing storage boxes or cleaning plates, then my mom would love the company!! They also may have totes of items that you can pick up, take and clean, and bring back if you’d like. As for moving large items, there really won’t be that many large items to move out of the house due to the damage, but they could use help taking boxes to storage next week as they fill any boxes.