Oklahoma Tornado Damage Hits Us All

South San Francisco May 21, 2013Oklahoma

It defies comprehension, this destruction in Moore Oklahoma, yet this photo from the hard hit area says it all.

Oklahoma state medical examiner’s office has revised the number of those dead to 24 including 9 children in this community of 41,000 people. Over 200 have sought medical care including 70 children according to the latest reports from Oklahoma news station COX. Storms continue to pound the area.

Our prayers and thoughts continue flow to all those involved.

Here is the latest on how we can help those in need from Wall Street Journal’s Ben Fox Rubin:

The following are organizations accepting donations for disaster relief efforts following the Oklahoma tornado, as well as some additional resources:

American Red Cross

The Red Cross requested donations be given to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters, by visiting RedCross.org, dialing 1-800-RED-CROSS or texting “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

The organization also provides a “Safe and Well” site, which allows people affected by a disaster to enter information regarding their welfare so family and friends can check their status. The site is SafeandWell.CommunityOS.org.

The Red Cross is already providing multiple shelters around the disaster area and delivering hot meals. The organization provides a free “shelter finder” app for mobile devices, with the same information also available at RedCross.org/nss.

Those affected by the disaster who need assistance should contact the Red Cross’s Oklahoma City office at 405-228-9500.

The Red Cross provides preparation and planning information on its website, as well as a mobile app that helps you prepare for a tornado and has a warning siren.

Additional information on what to do before, during and after a tornado is available through the Federal Emergency Management Agency at Ready.gov/tornadoes.
Salvation Army The Salvation Army said it is organizing disaster response units to serve hard-hit areas in central Oklahoma, including Moore and South Oklahoma City.

Donations can be given at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Supporters can text the word “STORM” to 80888 to make a $10 donation via mobile phone; to confirm your gift, respond with the word “Yes.”

Donations in the form of checks designated to “Oklahoma Tornado Relief” may also be mailed to: The Salvation Army, PO Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK 73157.

United Way

The United Way of Central Oklahoma has activated the May Tornado Relief Fund, which allows individuals to give specifically to support relief and recovery efforts from several tornados through the month. Information can be found at UnitedWayOKC.org. Checks with the notation for “May Tornado Relief” can be mailed to: United Way of Central Oklahoma, PO Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK 73101.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief

The organization said monetary donations are the best help at this time. Online donations can go to www.bgco.org/donate or checks to BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73112.
Volunteers are providing food, clearing debris and providing a laundry center, among other efforts.
The Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma said it isn’t currently taking clothing donations, and hands-on volunteers must have current certification with Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief.

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

Donations of items such as clothing and supplies are strongly discouraged. Monetary donations can be made at RegionalFoodBank.org or text “FOOD” to 32333 to donate $10.

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