As the flooding and tornados have now affected 7 states thus far there is a need for volunteers and donations nationwide. Since the passage of a multibillion-dollar disaster relief bill was blocked for the third time we need to come together as a nation to help all those affected by these major disasters. Efforts are still being established for all the states but below are sites that you can currently donate and volunteer.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
The American Red Cross is providing comfort and support to people across the multiple 7 states as severe weather continues to devastate communities. More than 900 trained Red Cross disaster workers are helping across seven states providing safe shelter, food, relief supplies and other support to people in need. The Red Cross is monitoring the situation for each state effected and prepared to respond if necessary.
IF YOU NEED TO FIND A SHELTER
Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767), visit redcross.org or download the free Red Cross Emergency App. You can also check with your local officials for information on where to find a shelter. The Emergency App provides emergency alerts and information about what to do in case of emergencies such as tornadoes and flooding. Users can find it in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
You can help people affected by disasters like storms and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Call, click, or text to give: visit redcross.org, call 1-800 RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. To donate by check or to a specific cause, please complete this donation form by printing and mailing to your local Red Cross chapter. For more information about the America Red Cross disaster relief efforts please visit: https://www.redcross.org/about-us/news-and-events/news/2019/red-cross-responds-to-midwest-tornadoes-flooding.html
SAMARITAN’S PURSE
Samaritan’s Purse teams are on the ground after tornadoes left devastation behind in both Jefferson City, Missouri, and Dayton, Ohio. Work is also ongoing in Michigan; they are responding in Oklahoma, too, and will call for volunteers after floodwaters recede. Below are their initiative for each city and call for volunteers.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO:
Volunteers will assist with roof tarping, chainsaw work, and debris cleanup. Volunteer here: https://www.spvolunteer.org/signin
SAND SPRINGS, OKLAHOMA:
Now that floodwaters are receding in Oklahoma, they are ready to receive volunteers. Their host church is Church That Matters in Sand Springs located here: 3 W 41st St, Sand Springs, OK 74063.
LINWOOD, KANSAS:
Samaritan’s Purse is now assessing damage and working with possible partner churches in Kansas.
DAYTON, OHIO:
Samaritan’s Purse has now deployed to Dayton, Ohio, and volunteers began Wednesday, May 29. You can sign up to serve in Ohio at spvolunteer.org.
To donate on the Samaritan’s Purse site please visit: https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/samaritans-purse-assessing-damage-after-tornadoes-rip-through-missouri/.
TULSA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION (TCF) AND TULSA AREA UNITED WAY (TAUW)
Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF) and Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW) have established the Disaster Relief Fund for Eastern Oklahoma to provide assistance to nonprofit organizations which are providing services and support to residents of eastern Oklahoma affected by recent weather-related flooding and tornadic storms. Donations made to the fund will assist with mid- and long-term recovery needs. For more information, visit tulsacf.org/2019storms.
OKLAHOMA CATTLEMEN’S FOUNDATION
A flood relief fund has been set up through the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation for Oklahoma Cattlemen affected by the ongoing flooding across the state. One hundred percent of the donated funds will be distributed to the affected cattlemen. Donate at https://www.okcattlemen.org/flood-relief-fund.
ANIMAL RESPONSE FOR OKLAHOMA
The Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) continues to support the animal shelter in Tulsa. An Emergency Small Animal Shelter has been set up at the Expo Square Pavilion and is currently housing 134 animals. A small animal shelter utilizing equipment from Humane Society of Tulsa is set up in conjunction with an American Red Cross human shelter at Bacone College Warrior Gym, 2299 Old Bacone Road, Muskogee.
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry reports that people in need of assistance with livestock or can call Dr. Rod Hall at (580) 257-0254 and Dr. Clayton McCook at (405) 283-3884. Anyone with facilities that can temporarily keep 10 or more horses from the evacuated areas are also asked to call Dr. Hall. A large animal shelter is set up at Muskogee Roundup Club. American Humane Association, Code 3 Associates, and Oklahoma Large Animal First Responders are supporting this shelter.
Our prayers are with all those effected by the massive flooding and tornados that swept the mid-west. We hope our efforts help raise more money to rebuild all the cities involved.
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Source: American Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse,
Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry,
Oklahoma Medical Reserve Corps (MRC),
Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation,
Tulsa Community Foundation (TCF) and Tulsa Area United Way (TAUW)
Picture Source: Carl Manning of American Red Cross from Jefferson City
