Helping The Tornado Victims Of The South

With all of the devastating destruction and tragedy that has hit the South from the tornadoes that ravaged so many on April 27, 2011, I felt a blog was in order to spread awareness of the need for donations and help for those affected by this cataclysmic event.

The National Weather Service released a statement saying that the event was an ‘outbreak of historic proportions.’ The death toll soared to at least 233, including 149 in Alabama, 32 in Mississippi, 30 in Tennessee, 13 in Georgia, eight in Virginia and one in Kentucky. As of this writing on Thursday morning, the Storm Prediction Center had preliminarily recorded 164 tornadoes (unconfirmed) and 343 damaging wind and 182 large hail reports. With assessments on-going, the number of recorded tornadoes may continue to increase. The outbreak is also likely to challenge the all-time 24-hour record of 148 tornado touchdowns that occurred on April 3-4, 1974. 

 

There are many ways you can help. Here is a list I have compiled from resources across the internet.

 

You can help the Tornado victims by joining the FOX 5 Care Force.

It's a joint effort by FOX 5, Publix and the American Red Cross. Donations are being accepted at all metro area Publix stores. Just make your contribution at the check out line. The money goes directly to the Red Cross disaster relief fund.

 

Donate to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Efforts

 

The Red Cross is on the ground providing shelter and relief to survivors.

• To donate to the relief efforts online, click here. 
• Call 1-800-RED-CROSS
• Text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation

Donate to the Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services

The Salvation Army has teams of responders providing food and support for victims throughout Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee.

• Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY to donate and designate “April 2011 Tornado Outbreak."
• Text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation
• Send checks to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, GA 30384-0339. Please designate “April 2011 Tornado Outbreak.”

Donate to the Alabama Governor's Emergency Relief Fund

To help tornado victims in Alabama, donate by check or credit card here.
Your employer or community organization can donate goods here.

Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund

The governor's office has created the fund to serve as a clearinghouse for donations and volunteer help.
Visit mississippi.relief.com to give or volunteer.

Save The Children

The relief effort providing food, medical care and education to children is accepting donations online at Donate to Save The Children . People can also call 1-800-728-3843 during business hours.

Volunteer Opportunities

The Corporation for National and Community Service, a federal agency, helps coordinate community service and volunteer efforts throughout the country. Visit serve.gov for more information.

If you know of any other ways to help please comment below and share them!

Blessings

~TBVG~