Local Aid Groups Reaching Out to Oklahoma Tornado Victims

One of the things that makes our country so great is that when we see a fellow American in need, we reach out to help. No questions asked. 

This week's devastating tornado in Moore, Okla. has proven that theory once again with people from all over the country immediately mobilizing relief efforts. 

It's no different locally. Here's a roundup of ways you can help locally in the efforts to aid those affected by Monday's tornado.

Local group Women in Need has set up a drop off for supplies at 35 Marnel Road in Boulder Hill. Check the organization's Facebook page for items needed. The group will leave Sunday to drop off donations in Oklahoma. 

Trinity Church of the Nazarene in Naperville, 1451 Raymond Drive will be assembling Crisis Care Kits Wednesday evening at the church. Items needed for donation include: 

• Shampoo (12 to 18 oz.)
• Bars of Soap (Bath size or larger)
• Toothpaste (4.0 to 6.4 oz.)
• Toothbrushes (in original packaging)
• Boxes of Bandaids (30 or more)
• Fingernail clippers
• Sturdy hair combs
• Hand towels
• Pocket sized pkgs. Kleenex
• Beanie Baby sized stuffed toys
• Work Gloves
• Hand Towels
• Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Bottled Water
• Gatorade
• Individual Wrap Snacks

In Plano, Jacob's Well Church will be receiving donations from its attendees as well as any others in our area who may feel led to contribute to the relief efforts in Moore.

Every penny received from those special offerings marked "Moore Relief" or "Tornado Relief" will go directly to Southgate Baptist Church.

Anyone can send a tax-deductible, designated offering check to Jacob's Well, PO Box 54, Plano, IL 60545. If you attend Jacob's Well simply mark your special offering accordingly and place it in the Joy Box on any of the next few Sunday's. Make your checks out to Jacob's Well Church and note Moore Tornado Relief in the "memo" line.

In Plainfield, check out the Helping Hugs Facebook page. This local family  is collecting snacks, coloring books, crayons, socks and cards offering well-wishes to be part of care packages sent to the Oklahoma first responders.

Other ways to help

On Tuesday, the medical examiner’s office in Oklahoma revised the death toll form 51 to 24 people, including nine children, according to ABC News.

The National Weather Service gave the tornado a preliminary rating of F-4, with winds of up to 200 mph.

The deadly storm cut a path of devastation outside of Oklahoma City, leveling buildings, homes and an elementary school.

Some ways you can 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.
• For a longer lists of organizations related to recovery from the tornado, see this list on The Huffington Post.

Do you know of other local relief efforts? Leave them with details in the comments below.