By By Adrienne McKenzie
The storms that went roaring through central and southeastern United States Thursday are responsible for the death of at least nine individuals.
A tornado hit Enterprise, claiming the lives of five young men and three young women who were students at Enterprise High School and one more person in the Enterprise area.
School officials had no time to send the students home, instead the pupils were rushed into hallways for shelter from the storm. Along with the fatalities, approximately 50 students were treated at Enterprise Medical Center for injuries such as fractures, cuts and chest pains because of anxiety or respiratory problems.
Not only did the tornado kill multiple citizens but it also caused massive destruction to Enterprise. The community's high school was damaged severely. The roof of the school collapsed, along with cars and school buses being completely overturned.
Gulf Winds Federal Credit Union has established a relief fund to help the people of Enterprise get back on their feet after the tragedy struck on Thursday.
The Enterprise Tornado Relief Fund was originated to assist those citizens that were affected by the tornado in the City of Enterprise.
Chris Rutledge, president and CEO of Gulf Winds said in a press release that the company employees feel it important to support all those affected by the tragedy.
"Thoughts and prayers from our Gulf Winds family go out to the people affected by this disaster," Rutledge said. "Our members and employees have been very supportive through the Gulf Coast's recent hurricane activity. We believe it is important to support the victims, volunteers and relief workers of this tragedy."
LeeAnn Allen, Gulf Winds branch supervisor of Atmore, said that citizens can go to any Gulf Winds location to drop off donations.
"If citizens would like, they are welcome to come in and give a donation here," Allen said. "They can go in any Gulf Winds location to make a donation. We will accept cash donations but we will also accept checks."
Gulf Winds will not be accepting any survival items, such as food or blankets.
"We are only accepting monetary donations," Allen said. "We will be sending that as a monetary gift."
Those unable to come in to a Gulf Winds location still can donate money to the Enterprise tornado victims. Checks payable to Enterprise Tornado Relief Fund can be sent to: Enterprise Tornado Relief Fund, Gulf Winds Credit Union, 220 East Nine Mile Road, Pensacola, Fla., 32534. Both members and non-members of the credit union can make donations.
For more information about the Enterprise Tornado Relief Fund please email jj.streit@gwfcu.org.