The American Red Cross has launched a large relief operation across 11 states to help people affected by the devastating tornado outbreak in the South and Midwest.
Weather experts reported as many as 95 confirmed tornadoes touched down, destroying communities from the Great Lakes to the Southeast.
“Our hearts go out to everyone who has been affected by this week’s severe storms,” said Charley Shimanski, senior vice president, Red Cross Disaster Services.
“Our top priorities right now are making sure people have a safe place to stay, a warm meal and a shoulder to lean on as they begin to clean up their neighborhoods. The Red Cross is also working closely with our government and community partners to make sure everyone gets the help they need.”
Friday night, the Red Cross opened or supported 22 shelters in Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Alabama, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.
Across the affected states, trained Red Cross disaster workers are mobilizing to begin feeding operations and distribution of relief supplies.
If you would like to help people affected by these disasters you can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting http://www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Contributions may also be sent to our Susanville Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
