1. “WRECKAGE IS WHAT WE MAKE OF IT”
(BIRMINGHAM, AL) May 9, 2011- Marian Loft walked into The Salvation Army distribution
warehouse in Birmingham this afternoon with nothing. Like so many others, Marian lost all of
her possessions in the tornado that hit the Birmingham area on Wednesday, April 27, 2011. Her
house suffered a direct hit leaving behind splintered pieces of what was once a happy home.
Marian, thrown 50 yards from her house, was lucky to be alive.
“It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever witnessed,” Marian said.
Marian was taken in by family members, who she has been staying with since the tornado hit.
She heard about The Salvation Army’s relief efforts from friends who were helped by The
Salvation Army in the days after the tornado.
Walking through the aisles of donated food, water, cleaning supplies, clothing, toys and pet
supplies, Marian faced the unthinkable challenge of deciding what items she needed most in
order to start her life again from scratch.
Marian said she has always loved The Salvation Army and was thankful for the help she
received. She plans to let everyone know that The Salvation Army is offering help to those who
are in need.
Of her lost possessions and home, Marian said, “Wreckage in life is what we make of it. It can
either kill you or teach you to overcome something tough.”
###