As the number of tragedies in the state of South Carolina rises, more and more people are being traumatically affected by the effects of the historic flood that has taken place over the last few days. Record-breaking rainfall has compromised water systems, tragically devastated hundreds of families and their vehicles, belongings, and homes. Entire parking lots and shopping centers are flooded, businesses are shut down, city-wide curfews are being issued, and all citizens are being seriously urged to stay inside and off the roads due to the collapse of roads and breaching of dams.
If you are among the population of the state or the rest of the country that is safe from the dangers of the weather and its effects, I encourage you to reach out to those in need in a variety of different ways. There are so many opportunities for our city-wide, state-wide, and nation-wide communities to help those who have been so terribly affected.
For all University of South Carolina students, there is a particularly unique opportunity for you to show some love and lend a hand to the Columbia community. USC student Cory Alpert has organized a way for University of South Carolina students to sign up to be involved in various community relief efforts.
"I'm in contact with the director of Red Cross for Central SC, and the directors of United Way for the Midlands, CCCF, etc. Partnering with the department of student life at USC as well. I just got off the phone with United Way; we'll start distributing water to people across the city tomorrow (Tuesday, October 6, 2015)," said Alpert, as he prepares to reach out to the multitude of USC students who have already expressed an interest in volunteering in the community's relief efforts.
I personally have signed up and encourage anyone reading this to do so, and to look forward to participating in one of the many ways the Columbia community will attempt to rebuild the lives of those affected.
However, if you are unable to contribute your time, there are various other ways to help. Some volunteer opportunities include:
Volunteering with the Red Cross
Donating to the United Way's Flood Disaster Relief Fund
Donating bottled water to the Columbia Animal Shelter
