Athens community begins to clean out CEI Bookstore
ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) — The Athens community wrapped its arms around one of the small businesses impacted by an EF-1 tornado last December Saturday.
Community members came out to CEI Bookstore to help clean out the inside of the building which had its roof ripped off, ruining everything inside. Thousands of books were thrown across the floor and its brick walls crumbled.
Athens-Limestone County 911 awarded 'PSAP of the Year' for state
Lance Taylor, the director of operations at the bookstore, said he put the word out Friday about the clean-up day. By Saturday morning, more than a dozen volunteers showed up to begin clearing debris.
'This will give the building side of things the opportunity to bring contractors in to take a look at getting started on reconstruction,' said Taylor. 'They believe that the structure's sound enough to put a roof back on.'
Joel Lynn was one of the volunteers who pitched in Saturday. He is a long-time customer who couldn't believe the tornado's destruction of the building.
'We lost this building but didn't lose the business. This CEI store has done a lot of good for a lot people for a lot of years and I'm thankful for that,' said Lynn. 'I'm also thankful to be able to help clean up today, we've had some wonderful volunteers, we've had a whole crowd of them.'
Taylor said the business will soon open up shop in the old Estes & Son building at 103 Washington Street in downtown Athens. He said the best way to follow along and stay up to date with the business is to follow its social media accounts or visit the website.
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