Some of you may recall that during the 2011 Wallow Fire, which devastated parts of the White Mountains, the American Red Cross played a huge role in making sure those affected by the blaze were given food, water and shelter. Once again, the Red Cross is working overtime for the victims of yesterday’s 2-mile-wide tornado that ripped through the tiny town of Moore, Oklahoma, destroying homes, a hospital and an elementary school.
To date, the Red Cross has deployed almost 30 emergency-response vehicles to distribute food and relief supplies, and more are on alert. Emergency aid stations will also be available so people can get food and snacks, mental and physical health services, and information about what help is available.
We reached out to our sister publication, Oklahoma Today, and their editor, Steffie Corcoran, emailed us an update about the devastation.
“Many of us at Oklahoma Today and our parent agency, the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation Department, know at least one person or family who has suffered losses in the devastating May 20 tornadoes in Moore,” wrote Corcoran. “Officials from that south Oklahoma City suburb are working hard in partnership with neighboring communities as well as state and federal resources to assess the damage and locate victims. For the time being, those who want to help are encouraged to donate to the American Red Cross, which is consolidating and coordinating relief efforts. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Thank you, thank you, thank you for helping us recover from this incredible tragedy.”
You can also visit http://www.redcross.org or call 800-RED-CROSS. These donations help provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.
