One of the most amazing, uplifting, generous and prideful things about our country is our ability to give back to our friends, neighbors and even strangers during their time of need. Yesterday, a horrifying tornado ripped through Moore, Oklahoma and hours after, in true American fashion, relief organizations were setting up their causes and doing what they could to help in Oklahoma and across the nation. The chance to donate; to offer a helping hand; to clear rubble and help rebuild and start fresh makes us feel empowered and brings us closer together.
For those of who would like to offer some type of help to the Oklahoma tornado victims, here’s how:
Donate Using the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has activated disaster response teams and mobile feeding units in Moore, Okla. to help both residents and rescues in the area. They’ve also sent teams to other locations in the Plains and the Midwest. If you’re interested in donating, you can donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts. Donations can also be made by phone by calling 1 800 SAL ARMY. For those interested in mailing a check to the relief efforts, you must include " Oklahoma Tornado Relief" on the check. Checks can be mailed to: S alvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157.
Donate through Feeding America
With a network of more than 200 food banks, Feeding America has said they will deliver truckloads of food, water and supplies to communities in need. In Oklahoma, Feeding America has set up additional emergency food and supply distribution sites. Donations can be made online or by telephone, by calling 1 800 910 5524.
Donate to the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief
Currently, the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief has deployed over 80 volunteers to respond to the severe weather. If you’re interested in helping, you can make a tax-deductible donation to the BGCO’s Disaster Relief Ministry either online or by calling 405 924 3800. Checks can be mailed to: BGCO: Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave. Oklahoma City, OK., 73112.
Donate to the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross has set up several shelters in Oklahoma and the Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles have already begun to deliver hot meals throughout the affected areas. Red Cross volunteers are also working to linked loved ones in Moore who are OK to their family members through the website Safe and Well. To make a donation, text REDCROSS to the number 90999 to make a $10 donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief. You can also donate online or by telephone by calling 1 800 RED CROSS.
Donate through Operation USA
Operation USA is a Los Angeles-based international relief agency. Yesterday, they announced they would be providing emergency aid where needed to community-based health organizations all throughout Oklahoma. To donate, visit their website or call 1 800 678 7255. Checks can be mailed to: Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Bl vd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Donations of $10 can also be made by texting AID to 50555. At this time, Operation USA is also asking for corporate donations of bulk quantities of disaster-appropriate supplies.
Donate through the United Way of Central Oklahoma
This morning, a disaster relief fund was activated so that individuals can make donations specifically toward tornado relief-and-recovery efforts. Donations can be made through their online site. Checks with a notation of " May Tornado Relief" may also be mailed to: The United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK., 73101
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