In response to the EF4 tornado that ripped through the suburbs of Oklahoma City on May 20, leaving 24 dead–including nine children–and hundreds more injured, charitable organizations are asking for assistance in their relief efforts for victims.

First responders are in a race against time searching for survivors in Moore, Oklahoma, the hardest-hit area, where two elementary schools were in the path of this terror storm.  Aside from the tragic loss of life felt there and across southern Oklahoma City, thousands of families have lost their homes and everything they owned.

Many of us want to help and there are different ways in which we can. Below is a list (still growing) of organizations assisting in the relief efforts in Oklahoma as well as tools for more information.

Gov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma is posting real-time updates on her Twitter page.  You can follow her @GovMaryFallin

Your Complete A-Z Guide of How to Help

AMERICARES

AmeriCares is a non-profit emergency response and global health organization. It is asking for monetary donations to aid in the delivery of medical and humanitarian aid as well as to help purchase supplies needed for relief efforts.

DONORSCHOOSE.ORG

Donors Choose is an online charity that sends supplies to teachers who’ve requested need for specific projects within their classrooms. Donors can contribute financial donations to specific projects and help supply a classroom with fundamental learning equipment.

From their website:

“When teachers in Moore are ready, we will help them create classroom recovery projects for everything from furniture to food to therapy resources. These teachers know best what their students need, and we can empower them to rebuild their classrooms.”

All donations will be sent to the teachers in Moore, Oklahoma.

FEED THE CHILDREN

Feed The Children, a Christian organization headquarted in Oklahoma City, is preparing emergency disaster relief supplies to aid victims of the Moore tornadoes and is accepting donations at a number of locations. Items that will be accepted are diapers, canned goods, non-perishable food and snack items, water and sports drinks.

Outside the state, you can also donate money by calling 800-627-4556, visiting the website, or by texting “DISASTER” to 80888.

RED CROSS

The Oklahoma Red Cross is asking people to make a $10 donation by texting Red Cross to 90999. The donations allow the Red Cross to purchase needed supplies.

If you are looking for a family member, you can visit www.safeandwell.org. Local Red Cross units will be dispatched throughout the damaged area.

REGIONAL FOOD BANK OF OKLAHOMA

The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, in partnership with Oklahoma Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster, is asking that the public support all rescue, recovery and disaster relief efforts with donations of cash to your favorite responding charity.

To make a tax deductible donation to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, go to their website or call 604-7111 or text FOOD to 32333 to give $10 to relief efforts.

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST RELIEF CENTER

The Oklahoma Bapist Relief Center is on the ground help. Those interested can make a tax-deductible donation to the BGCO’s Disaster Relief ministry, by visiting its website or BY calling 942-3800. All money goes toward disaster relief and helping victims.

For photos, information and updates, visit the Oklahoma Baptists’ blog.

OKLAHOMA BLOOD INSTITUTE

Donors to the Oklahoma Blood Institute provide every drop of blood needed by patients in all metro-Oklahoma City hospitals and 140 others across the state. Locations of donor centers and mobile blood drives can be found on its website.

OPERATION USA

Headquartered in Los Angeles, the relief agency Operation USA is dedicated to providing emergency aid where needed to community-based health organizations across Oklahoma. Donate online at www.opusa.org, or by phone at 1.800.678.7255

OU SOONERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA

The University of Oklahoma is opening up spaces in housing for the displaced families. Call 405-325-2511

SALVATION ARMY

The Salvation Army Arkansas-Oklahoma Division has dispatched disaster response teams.

Donations can be made in the following ways:

• The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK 73157. Designate Oklahoma Tornado Relief on all checks.
• Donate by phone: (800) 725-2769
• Donate online: donate.salvationarmyusa.org/uss/eds

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

United Way of Central Oklahoma has activated its disaster relief fund, so individuals may give specifically to the May tornadoes relief and recovery efforts. Fund dollars will be distributed without administrative fees to United Way Partner Agencies working on the tornado relief efforts.

To donate, go to www.unitedwayokc.org or by mail to United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK 73101 with notation for May Tornado Relief.

For more information, please contact Karla Bradshaw at (405) 235-3534.

Irene Moore for PeterGreenberg.com