The Southern Region, an Affiliate of the National United Church Ushers Association of America, Inc., reached out to the tornado victims of Pratt City, Alabama on December 29, 2011. After previously accompanying Eastern Regional Director Bro. Charles Brown to Pratt City and looking at the damage the tornado had done, Southern Regional Director Harold Hester asked the member States to give a donation toward assisting the victims of Pratt City, since Alabama (currently inactive) is a part of the Southern Region. Director Hester is working with the Ushers in Alabama in order to reactivate the State. The member States of the Southern Region are Arkansas - President Bro. Willie Slay, Florida - President Bro. Eugene Weaver, Georgia - President Sis. Margery C. Pace, Louisiana - President Evangelist Gillis Branch, Mississippi - President Dr. Linda Pates, South Carolina - President Bro. Eddie Brown, Tennessee - President VeAnne Buchanan, and Texas - President George Merida, rallied behind Director Hester's request and raised $1,000. Director Hester along with Past National President Bro. Willie Minnifield, National Treasurer Dr. Linda Pates, Past National Board Member Sis. Oni Oluremi-Minnifield and Mississippi Member Sis. June Garner presented the check to Pastor Eric Harris, President and CEO of Agape Love Lifeline, and Sis. Regina Clarke. It was truly a humbling experience to witness the destruction of the homes, churches and other properties. Often times we take for granted the little things in life until we are affected or know someone, such as the citizens of Pratt City, that we come to a realization of the true value of life.