As the school year begins, both returning and new students may wonder how to get involved with the continued tornado relief efforts. So far, students and faculty from the University have contributed to the massive clean up and rebuilding process in many ways.

“It’s important for freshmen to understand that University infrastructure was not directly impacted by the storm,” said Seth Morrow, communications director for the Student Government Association. “At the same time, students will see a different Tuscaloosa, and it is our hope students continue to take an active role in the Tuscaloosa area by volunteering.”

On campus, students can find volunteer opportunities at the Community Service Center.

One option is to participate in Hands on Tuscaloosa, an initiative sponsored by UA student organizations and many partners including Tornado Relief, Habitat for Humanity and the City of Tuscaloosa. The three days set aside for this event to take place are Aug. 27, Sept. 2 and Sept. 10.

Along with the physical devastation Tuscaloosa has faced, the tragic events on the day of the tornado and the days to follow took a severe emotional toll on many students, faculty members and community residents.

For students interested in learning how to help others who may still be experiencing some unsettling emotions, a forum will take place this afternoon. As part of the Week of Welcome, “Helping Others Through Trauma” will be held in the Ferguson Center at 1 p.m.

On Aug. 28, a remembrance service will be held in honor of the lives lost and the efforts put forth by the students, faculty and staff of the University. The ceremony will also be an opportunity to celebrate the continued rebuilding of the community.

The service will take place at Palmer Lake behind Lakeside Dining at 7:30 p.m. that Sunday. The entire UA community is encouraged to attend, and a reception will follow the service.

During the summer, Habitat for Humanity teamed up with students from the University of Alabama and Auburn University to form House United. This organization is devoted to building houses for Alabama residents located all over the state. After the tornado, the group decided to forego its original summer plans and rebuild the homes of two Tuscaloosa families whose houses were destroyed in April.

The next build will be likely to take place during the spring semester. Students are encouraged to check the Community Service Center website for updates on the plans for this project. Photos from the summer build can be found on the CSC Facebook page.

For more information on how to get involved through the University, visit volunteer.ua.edu. To find out how to volunteer through the community, visit givetuscaloosa.com.

Ways to Volunteer

Hands on Tuscaloosa: Aug. 27, Sept. 2 and Sept. 10

Helping others through Trauma: Today at 1 p.m. in the Ferguson Center