Boone asked for donations from fellow medical students, and has been collecting the items for the past week. So far, she has raised $650 to help with the effort, along with a room-full of donations. She will use the money to buy canned goods and other nonperishable items in bulk.
A portion of the items collected will be given to a family that Boone knows through a friend. The family, who lives in Tusaloosa, will be having a child in two weeks. “I really want to make sure that the mother and baby have what they need,” Boone said. “I can’t imagine going through something like this.”
Boone said she is working with Hands on Birmingham to help distribute the remaining donations, adding that St. Matthias’ Episcopal Church in Tuscaloosa will most likely be the distribution center.
“I was in Baton Rouge, La., when Hurricane Katrina hit, and I saw how hard it was then,” said Boone, who has lived in Mobile her entire life. “The difference is that we can prepare for hurricanes, but this disaster is something they could not prepare for.”
“Just knowing that I have the ability to help make a difference in these families’ lives – that’s the big inspiration for me.”
Boone said she has been an avid volunteer since high school. “It’s something I really enjoy doing,” she said. “I’ve always felt very fortunate and blessed, and I feel it’s important to spread those blessings to other people.”
Boone said she is thankful to all of the medical students and faculty at USA for their generosity and support. She will be accepting donations through Monday afternoon, May 9. If you are interested in giving to the donation drive, contact her at aboone429@gmail.com.
