How to Help the Oklahoma Tornado Victims

The devastating tornado that rocked Oklahoma on Monday leaves many wondering how to help — even from hundreds and hundreds of miles away in metro Atlanta.

Patch is about helping your neighbors, and after the devastation near Oklahoma City where a giant tornado claimed the lives of at least 24 people, including at least eight children, Oklahoma is our neighbor. In addition to hoping the best for the survivors and rescue workers still trying to make sense of the devastation today, here are some links where you can donate your time or money to help the recovery efforts.

Give:

• Those wishing to donate to the Alpharetta-based Southern Baptist Disaster Relief can do so here.

• GOOGLE: Okla. tornado crisis map. Here is a map from Google of the tornado devastation with links for how to help.

• The Red Cross says in the immediate aftermath, the best way to help is to donate at RedCross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999.

• The Salvation Army has mobilized in Oklahoma, and you can support them by donating online; or by texting STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts; or by making a donation via phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

• Use the Red Cross Safe & Well's site to check on status of family members.

• Here is the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief's website to target your donations directly where they are needed.

• United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open and accepting donations. Donations can be made online at www.unitedwayokc.org or sent by mail to United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK  73101. Note that your donation is for May Tornado Relief.

• Contributions can be made securely to the Moore & Shawnee Tornado Relief Fund at www.TulsaCF.org. Donations can also be mailed to the Tulsa Community Foundation offices at 7030 S. Yale, Suite 600, Tulsa, OK, 74136.

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Do you have any experience with a tornado or other natural disaster? What do people need most after going through something like this? Share your tips with us by writing a blog post.

If you know of someone local was affected by the tornado or who is working to help the victims, please contact your local editor.