'How do I help?': Lending a hand to Oklahoma tornado victims
The damage caused by a massive tornado that tore through Oklahoma on Monday left Ann Arbor resident Tia Hoffman with one thought — "How do I help?"
A woman carries a child through a field near the collapsed Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Okla., Monday, May 20, 2013.
Sue Ogrocki | The Associated Press
"All I could think about was if I was one of the parents involved, and it just broke my heart," Hoffman said. "I'm a parent and I could only think of myself in that situation — if my kids were in that school — and wondering whether I would be able to bring them home and hug them."
Buying a coffee from Hoffman's shop is just one way Ann Arbor residents can pitch in to help.
In addition to the national-level relief being facilitated by The American Red Cross — which included immediately deploying almost 30 emergency response vehicles to distribute food and supplies, according to a news release — there are local-level ways to contribute to the fund as well.
The Washtenaw-Lenawee Chapter always is accepting donations for disaster relief. Those wanting to make a donation can do so on the Red Cross website, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a donation of $10. Donations go toward providing food, shelter and support to victims.
The Red Cross also is providing Oklahoma residents with their Safe & Well service, which allows victims to contact loved ones outside of the location to let them know they are safe.
Blood donations also are always in high demand following a tragedy of this magnitude.
"It's our obligation to help our neighbors," Hoffman said. "Whether they're in Oklahoma City or Ann Arbor."
To let us know about other local efforts to raise money, supplies or support for the victims in Oklahoma, please leave tips in the comments below, or email news@annarbor.com.
Comments
Cole Bertsos
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 9:26 p.m.
I just got off the phone with Deborah Kern, the marketing director with the Huron Valley Humane Society, to see if they were doing anything noteworthy to raise support for the canine victims in Oklahoma City. She told me to direct readers who would like to make donations or help out to the Humane Society of the United States. Though the HSUS does not house an actual shelters in their building, they do have available areas to hold onto lost pets and hopefully reunite them with their family quicker. To see what you can do, visit their website at http://www.humanesociety.org/
jns131
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 6:02 p.m.
I heard this on the news last nite. Wish I had the money to do this and the time. But one teacher mentioned the 5th or 6th grade graduation next week. Wish I could hold one of those for them. Food, streamers, pomp and circumstance and the whole ball of wax. Something to hold on to after this. Maybe someone else?
John Simon
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 3:47 a.m.
For anyone at Skyline high school, the red cross club of skyline is going around school all week collecting money for the victims.
Hal Dotson
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 3:27 a.m.
The Salvation Army Disaster Relief can take donations at 1-800-725-2769 by phone or text "80888' to "storm" to donate $10. to the relief and recovery efforts. Please help anyway you can.
stevek
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 1:26 a.m.
The last thing that the residents, emergency responders, and local/national officials need down there is "stuff". Logistically it is a nightmare (transportation, storage, and manpower). The most effective way to help out is with a cash donation.
Fordie
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 2:21 a.m.
Steve's right. A massive influx of supplies is incredibly difficult to handle and often what people are giving does not match the actual needs of people affected. Give to agencies like the American Red Cross that have the infrastructure and the expertise to assist those in need.
jns131
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 1:21 a.m.
I would love to see pictures that are talked about of this huge 2 mile long tornado. Wow. What devastation. Just glad more walked then not.
jns131
Wed, May 22, 2013 : 6 p.m.
Correction, 17 miles of tornado. Wow. I clocked it from Ypsi to Ann Arbor? Holy Moley. What a wall that must have been.
Julie Baker
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 9:58 p.m.
Thanks to Katherine and Dan for their comments. Wafel Shop just updated its promotion, according to this tweet the restaurant just sent out: TheWafelShop 5:51pm via Twitter for iPhone @AnnArborcom We're extending our efforts to raise $ for those affected in #moore ok. 100% of all coffee sales until Friday 10PM! #RedCross
Dan
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 9:28 p.m.
http://www.okdisasterhelp.com/ ....100% goes to the victims...... No salaries or processing fees are deducted from your donation..Thank You.....
Katherine Willson
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 9:25 p.m.
Nancy Malone, the founder of Hands of Light in Action (handsoflightinaction.org - the organization that assisted Dexter following their tornado) is collecting shovels, water, toilet paper, toothpaste, toothbrushes, other personal care items, diapers & formula to take to the town of Moore, Oklahoma. There are two collection points in Dexter, MI: Morningstar Daycare at 7444 Ann Arbor Street (phone 734-424-9193) or c/o Steve DeWolfe of Excavators, Inc. at 8875 Dexter Chelsea Road (phone 734-424-2900). For more info, contact Nancy Malone c/o Hands of Light in Action - email handsoflightinaction@gmail or call 734-981-6737.
Kyle Mattson
Tue, May 21, 2013 : 7:37 p.m.
If you are aware of any other companies, non-profits, etc making effort to support those affected by the tornado please feel free to post the info here in the comments.