Yesterday, the University of Alabama launched a program to collect funds to support an emergency-assistance program for UA employees and students affected by last Wednesday’s storm.

The program, called the UA Acts of Kindness Fund, will be used to provide financial assistance to employees and students who qualify under the guidelines of this emergency-assistance program, according to the fund’s website.

The website defines those guidelines, saying they usually are related to loss and damage caused by fire, tornado or other natural disaster or a medical emergency that causes leave without pay.

Cathy Andreen, UA director of media relations, said the program may be used to help employees and students pay grocery bills, rent or mortgage payments, electric, gas and medical bills.

“This is one of the many ways that people can help provide support to those impacted by Wednesday’s storm,” Andreen said.

Andreen said information regarding the amount of money the website has already raised was unavailable, as the website is less than 24-hours old.

Decisions regarding the distribution of funds will be made by a committee of UA employees who are appointed by the President. All employee and student cases will be presented anonymously to the UA Acts of Kindness Fund committee for consideration, according to the program’s website.

The University asks possible donors to visit the UA Acts of Kindness website at https://www.ua.edu/advancement/giving/donate/?division=2&account=349. Upon arrival to the website, donors should elect to direct their gifts to “General University” and then select the “UA Acts of Kindness” account. No donation code is necessary.

Andreen also mentioned the University’s Tornado Relief website, http://www.ua.edu/tornadorelief/, which provides links to other organizations either raising money or seeking volunteers, including the American Red Cross and United Way of West Alabama, among others.

In addition to fundraisers set up in Tuscaloosa, six schools have reached out to volunteer as of Saturday. They are Auburn, Louisiana State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Penn State and South Carolina.

Auburn University established The Toomer’s for Tuscaloosa Fund to collect money for those directly affected in Tuscaloosa, as well as The Auburn All In Relief Fund, which allows people to contribute to areas in need throughout the state. More information regarding both of Auburn’s funds can be found at http://www.auburn.edu/communications_marketing/relief/.