Over the past several weeks, it has been harder and harder to find news headlines and TV reports about the devastating tornadoes that affected so many of our neighbors a few months ago.

As is the case with many big events, the tornado outbreak was the hot topic in many media outlets for several days after the tragedy before it began to fade from the public eye.

It has been a while since it happened, but I can tell you with absolute certainty that the victims have not yet fully recovered. Many local businesses, individuals and organizations are still selflessly giving their time and resources to help those who are continuing to reel from the storms.

For several weeks, Pelham Police Department executive assistant Jennifer Smith has been working long hours to organize a storm relief event at one of the county’s largest venues.

Some may not immediately group a law enforcement entity together with Motley Crue, one of the biggest rock bands in history, but the partnership they have been able to form is impressive. Before the July 9 Crue concert at Pelham’s Verizon Wireless Music Center, police department volunteers planned to collect donations and holding a silent auction to help our neighbors who are still very much in need.

Local businesses have donated everything from Motley Crue-autographed guitars to gift cards to be given away as door prizes and sold during the silent auction. Heavy rains forced the department to postpone the event to a later date, which will be announced soon.

All month long, Pelham’s TCBY store off Huntley Parkway will be holding a Christmas in July celebration to help storm victims in many areas. It’s never too early to start planning for Christmas – trust me, it will be here before you know it.

Why not relieve some of the coming holiday stress early while contributing to a worthy cause?

In my opinion, those who are still putting great efforts into helping fellow Alabamians whose lives are still in shambles should really be commended.

It’s easy to step forward to help others when the spotlight is shining on you.

It takes a true servant’s heart to help out with no guarantee your efforts will light up the front pages.

Neal Wagner is the city editor for the Shelby County Reporter. He can be reached at 669-3131 ext. 17 or by email at neal.wagner@shelbycountyreporter.com.