Poarch Band of Creek Indians Donates $184,000 for Funeral Expenses of Alabama Tornado Victims

The tornando that went through Alabama last Sunday left 23 dead. PBS photo

Published March 9, 2019

ATMORE, Ala. — The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, based at Atmore, Alabama has donated $184,000 to assist in the burial of the 23 victims lost in the deadly tornado that went through the state of Alabama last Sunday.

The tribe’s donation will be made to the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation.

AL.com reported:

“The coroner’s office received word that they wanted to help and reached out to them and they agreed. Their first commitment was for $50,000. Later they called back and ask me what it would take to cover the costs and I gave them a figure and they graciously made it happen,” said Lee County Coroner Bill Harris. “The monies will be deposited with the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation to be dispersed to the funeral homes to cover the cost of the funerals. I am so thankful for them to step up in this manner and help the families of this tragedy.”

The tribe announced the donation on its Facebook page:

“The Tribe is making a $184,000 donation to the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation to assist in the burial of the victims from last Sunday’s devastating tornado in Lee County, AL. It is at times of greatest need that we often see our communities coming together to help one another, this is one of those times. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected.” – Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO, Poarch Band of Creek Indians