Community Corner

How You Can Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Monster storm flattened Oklahoma City suburb of Moore Monday afternoon, where dozens are reported dead.

Dozens of people—including schoolchildren—were killed Monday when a massive tornado ripped through the town of Moore, OK, a suburb of Oklahoma City.

The tornado, initially classified as an EF-4, means wind speeds up to 200 miles per hour whipped through the town of about 56,000, flattening much in its path. Initial reports of 51 people killed in the tornado have been revised to 24 people, but the devastation is overwhelming to many.

The mile-wide tornado was on the ground for 40 minutes, according to ABC News.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

How you can help:

  • The Salvation Army has mobilized a number of emergency relief services in Oklahoma, including Moore, to dispense food, hydration and emotional support to first responders and survivors. Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts or make a donation via phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
  • The Oklahoma City Red Cross will open shelters as first responders assess damage. The organization says in the immediate aftermath, the best way to help is to donate at RedCross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999.
  • Operation USA will work with Oklahoma's impacted community clinics and hospitals to help replace lost equipment and supplies as well as make grants to the extent of available funds from the public to help replace health resources lost. Learn more here.
  • Samaritan's PurseSamaritan’s Purse, a nonprofit that fights poverty, has sent a disaster relief unit and staff to help people affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma City. Find out how you can support the organization’s efforts here.

Find out what's happening in Lortonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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