• Please consider texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation right now. 
  • You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation via the Salvation Army. 
  • You can also give a $10 donation through Operation USA by texting the word AID to 50555

Charges will apply to your mobile phone bill next month. SMS Data rates may apply.

How to Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims

I don’t normally publish press releases on my blog but today I wanted to share with you the American Red Cross’ full statement on ways to help the victims of the Oklahoma tornado. My Prayers go out to all those directly affected by this tragedy and to all of us around the world grieving the loss of life. The last report that I read stated that their were at least 24 killed by this tornado. Hundreds were injured. Some people that suffered vision loss can get a plan set up to help them at Ok.Vision. Thousands of people are without homes. 

Additionally, the press release below outlines other ways to assist the Red Cross and information about locating people in Oklahoma. NBC News has also released a story with information on how to help through the Salvation Army, United Way of Central Oklahoma, Feeding America and Operation USA.

The American Red Cross issued the following statement following the tornado in Oklahoma yesterday:

 WASHINGTON, Monday, May 20, 2013 – Our thoughts and concerns go to everyone in Oklahoma following this horrific tornado.

The American Red Cross has one shelter open in Moore and is working on locating others; we continue to operate three shelters that were opened Sunday in the Oklahoma City area following the storms on Sunday.

Red Cross volunteers are out tonight with food and supplies supporting first responders.

More than 25 emergency response vehicles are positioned to move at first light Tuesday, and we expect that the number will increase. The Red Cross is also sending in kitchen support trailers to support the upcoming operation to provide meals to those forced out of their homes.

People in Oklahoma near the tornado area are encouraged to connect with one another and let loved ones know that they are safe. This can be done through the I’m Safe feature of the free Red Cross tornado app. In addition, if you have access to a computer, go to redcross.org/safeandwell to list yourself as safe. If not, you can text loved ones or call a family member and ask them to register you on the site.

 This has been a major disaster, and the Red Cross will be there for the people in this state and this community. People who wish to make a donation can support American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which helps provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters like the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma and Texas as well as disasters big and small throughout the United States by visiting redcross.org, dialing 1-800-REDCROSS or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.