How to Help Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado

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.

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.
• The Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief organization. To donate go to their website. You can send checks to: BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK., 73112.
• 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.
• Moore & Shawnee Tornado Relief Fund. Contributions can be made securely at www.TulsaCF.org. Donations can also be mailed to the Tulsa Community Foundation offices at 7030 S. Yale, Suite 600, Tulsa, OK, 74136.
• Feeding America's network of food banks will also help. Donate online here or call (800) 910-5524.
• Operation USA. Donate online here. You can also give a $10 donation by texting the word AID to 50555. Checks should be sent to: Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036 or call: (800) 678-7255.
• For more organizations helping with the recovery from the tornado, see this list on The Huffington Post.

• GOOGLE: Okla. tornado crisis map. Here is a map from Google of the tornado devastation with links for how to help.
• Via Slate: Oklahoma City news services such as KFOR TV, NewsOK, and KOCO TV have provided their own lists of local aid groups, to help residents coordinate relief and donation efforts.
• Use the Red Cross Safe & Well's site to check on status of family members.