Donate to Help Tornado Victims in the South

On April 27, 2011, thunderstorms, hail, severe winds and tornadoes slammed the South, killing scores of people in Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The death toll continues to rise and it's estimated that at least 297 people were killed with more than two-thirds of these fatalities occurring in Alabama.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) reports that 20 shelters have been opened up and are available to people needing a place to stay during the massive cleanup taking place in communities across the South. Sounds like it's working. Nearly 1,000 people spent one Sunday night in one of the 61 Red Cross shelters across the South, including 400 individuals from Alabama, one of the hardest hit states by these deadly tornadoes. Rescue and cleanup efforts continue in the wake of this devastation.

How to Help Tornado Victims in Alabama and Southeastern US

What can you do to help? Plenty. Dozens of organizations are working hard to save lives and provide for the basic needs of tornado victims. By connecting with these efforts, you join with so many others who are making a difference as the South digs out and recovers from this devastating natural disaster. Check out these organizations:

American Red Cross: Natural Disaster Relief
Description: Making a difference in disaster areas, in collaboration with government and non profit organizations throughout the South and beyond.
Website: www.redcross.org
Donate online, via toll free number, by mail or via text message
Text Message: Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make $10 donation by text message

Catholic Charities USA Disaster Response
Description: The largest private network of social service organizations in the US working to support families in crisis, reduce poverty, and build communities.
Website: www.catholiccharitiesusa.org
Designate: Spring 2011 Disasters
Call toll free: 1-(800) 919-9338
Via US Mail: Check to Catholic Charities USA, P.O. Box 17066, Baltimore, MD 21297-1066

Salvation Army USA
Description: Providing food, hydration and other services to more than 6000 survivors and first responders in the Southeastern US. Making a difference in Alabama and beyond.
Website: www.salvationarmyusa.org
Designate: April 2011 Tornado Outbreak
Call toll free: 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY

Feeding America
Description: The nation's leading domestic hunger-relief charity, providing food to over 37 million Americans each year, including those impacted by natural disasters. Connecting with food banks in the hard hit region.
Website: http://feedingamerica.org

Direct Relief International
Description: Bringing urgently-needed medicine to people in crisis, here at home and around the world. Connecting with health professionals in the affected region.
Website: www.directrelief.org
Call toll free: 1-(800) 676-1638
Via US Mail: Check to Direct Relief International, 27 S. La Patera Lane, Santa Barbara, CA 93117