How To Best Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims

State officials in Oklahoma say the best way you can help victims of Monday’s tornado is to make a monetary donation or a blood donation.

Sending toys and clothing, while well-meaning, often add to the confusion during the recovery period according to NBC News. Officials also don’t want people just showing up to help.

Here are some organizations helping Oklahoma residents recover from Monday’s tornado.

RED CROSS

Text Red Cross to 90999 to send a $10 donation.

SALVATION ARMY

Donate online: donate.salvationarmyusa.org/uss/eds/aok

Donate by phone: 800-725-2769

Or send a check to: The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK 73157. Designate Oklahoma Tornado Relief on all checks.

FEED THE CHILDREN

Donate online: www.feedthechildren.org/disaster

Donate by phone: 800-627-4556

OKLAHOMA BAPTIST DISASTER RELIEF

This organization says donations will “go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters.”

It is requesting monetary donations (It says clothing is NOT needed). For more information, and to donate, visitOklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief’s website.

You can send checks to: BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK., 73112.

UNITED WAY OF CENTRAL OKLAHOMA

A disaster relief fund is being activated as of May 21 so that individuals can specifically donated to tornado relief-and-recovery efforts, the organization says on its site.

“Financial contributions are the best way to help unless otherwise requested.” Donations can be made online at

United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open.  Donations may be made online here. Checks, with a notation of “May Tornado Relief” can also be sent to the United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK , 73101.