The heartbreak we have all felt over the devastation across north and central Alabama in the wake of terrible tornadoes last week has turned to action.

Every day, through Facebook messages and tweets and e-mails and even those old-fashioned phone calls, groups and invdividuals are working together to make sure that needs are met across the region.

Blankets, flashlights, food, medication, diapers, toothbrushes, bottled water — you name the need, it is finding its way into the hands of those who have lost everything.

As we are heartened by these acts of kindness — not only in the affected areas but in our own community, where so many have stepped up to help — we are reminded that we, too, have been in a similar position. And with our proximity to the coast and hurricane season coming, there is an unfortunate possibility we could need help again in the future.

Perhaps knowing that is one of the reasons we all want to help, but more likely it is simply in the nature of Alabamians to roll up our sleeves and do what we can.

With so many opportunities to help, we know that many of you have donated supplies or have even driven north to volunteer.

We hope that you will also consider donating to the Red Cross’ disaster relief fund. Not only will that money help those in need in Tuscaloosa and Rainsville and everywhere in between, it will also help our own residents — some of whom needed help here when a tornado tore through Damascus. Having a ready disaster fund will help Red Cross serve our neighbors to the north and our neighbors next door when the time comes.

We are blessed to live in a state that has so many loving hands willing to make a difference and mend broken hearts and homes.