Relief efforts for victims of Monday’s storms in Maplesville are underway, with volunteers from The Salvation Army traveling from Shelby County to help.

Shelby County’s Salvation Army, located in Alabaster, is the nearest one to Chilton County.

“We have been (in Maplesville) since the early morning when the tornado came through,” said Salvation Army Sergeant Andy Bailey, commanding officer of Shelby and Chilton counties. “We want to be there to help the first responders and utility companies (and) those individuals in homes cleaning up their yards.”

Bailey said he and his volunteers have given out about 800 snacks, between 800-900 drinks and about 200 hot meals Monday and Tuesday.

Volunteers have also provided emotional and spiritual care to storm victims, Bailey said.

“We’re asking people donate now just monetarily to Salvation Army of Shelby County for Chilton County,” Bailey said. “We do take items at Salvation Army of Shelby County (but) we have more than enough. I’m encouraging people to give monetarily because needs are great out here.”

Power has been restored in the Maplesville area, but road crews, county personnel and residents are beginning the cleanup process.

“It’s just a great little community,” Bailey said. “They’re really close-knit. We’re doing our very best to help the people here.”

Donations for Chilton County may be mailed to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 309, Alabaster, 35007.