How to Help Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado from Southwest Minneapolis

Americans across the country are reacting with shock to the devastation caused by a 2-mile wide Tornado in Oklahoma. Dozens have died, and President Obama has declared the path of the tornado a major disaster area.

Post your own efforts on Patch's Local Voices.

If you would like to help, you can do so from your computer or mobile device right now.

• 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 list of organizations related to recovery from the tornado, see this list on The Huffington Post.

The following suggestions were given by readers on Southwest Minneapolis Patch's Facebook page:

• William Henry Gustaf Bildsten: I really trust http://www.hopemob.org for responding to needs in Oklahoma. HopeMob is very grassroots and connects with many in need to crowd fund to help. A lot of people may think they're helpful for setting up a fund, but, in reality, trusting fundraising with a few, excellent NGOs helps the most. President Obama also mentioned the Red Cross (which is always doing something) but I would worry about the bureaucracy of massive non-profits with their return on the dollar.
• Marci Mogg: Here is a list someone else made: http://thepioneerwoman.com/blog/2013/05/oklahoma/

The Minnesota United Methodist Church is also accepting donations.

Read on Local Voices: To help OK tornado victims, pray and send monetary gifts through UMCOR

Patch will be posting stories of locals who are working to help victims from afar. If you know of someone local was affected by the tornado or who is working to help the victims, please contact your local editor. If you have other suggestions on how to help, please add the information to the comments section below.