Residents of suburban Oklahoma City are picking through rubble today after a monster tornado more than a mile wide killed at least 24 people, demolishing two schools and flattening entire subdivisions. Goodwill® extends it sympathy to the individuals and families who have been left without support and shelter as a result of this devastating tornado.
The caring people that work at 164 member Goodwill enterprises in the United States and Canada, as well as 13 other countries, send their thoughts and prayers to all those who were affected by this disaster.
As Goodwill’s mission is to generate opportunities for people to achieve economic stability and build strong families through community-based job training, employment placement programs and supports including child care, housing, mentoring, and transportation, some local Goodwill agencies in the United States are aiding in the effort by partnering with other disaster relief organizations to assist in providing relief services.
You can do your part to assist disaster victims. Please call 800-GOODWILL or visit http://locator.goodwill.org to contact a local Goodwill near you to find out if they are assisting with relief efforts.
Goodwill Industries of Central Oklahoma is orchestrating a Peace, Love & Goodwill Benefit Concert. All proceeds will be directed to help the victims, the families and the service personnel affected by the May 2013 tornadoes.
You can also make a financial contribution at http://give.goodwill.org in order to assist with programs and services in your area. We encourage you to donate to Goodwill or contact and support your choice of the following agencies that are providing immediate, broad-based relief:
The American Red Cross is providing support to the people of Moore. You can do your part by texting REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10, or online at http://redcross.org/
AmeriCares has deployed to the region to assess urgent needs and coordinate deliveries of emergency aid for victims of this heartbreaking disaster. You can do your part by donating to its U.S. Disaster Program.
Brother’s Brother Foundation (BBF) is working with Gleaning For The World (GFTW) to send immediate relief to those in need due to the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma. BBF is paying shipping costs for the first three tractor trailer loads of relief supplies including blankets, water, shoes, cleaning supplies, and baby items to Church of the Harvest in Oklahoma, City.
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is accepting financial donations. Your contribution will save lives, rebuild homes, provide shelter and supplies, and restore hope.
Feeding America whose mission is to “feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks” will deliver truckloads of food, water and supplies to communities in need in Oklahoma, and will also set up additional emergency food and supply distribution sites as they are needed. You can donate online or call 1-800-910-5524.
GlobalGiving is raising donations for organizations providing emergency relief. Text GIVE OK to 80088 to donate $10 to Oklahoma Tornado Relief Fund. Message and data rates may apply. Only works for US mobile phones.
Heart to Heart Internationalis accepting donations for its Disaster Preparedness and Response Fund.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief is sending all monetary donations to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters. (Clothing is not needed). You can also send checks to: BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73112.
Operation Blessing International is bringing much-needed relief in real time to families in desperate need on the ground in Oklahoma. You can donate online to help reach hurting children and their families.
Operation USA is providing aid to victims in Moore, Oklahoma and surrounding areas. Donate online at www.opusa.org, by phone at (800) 678-7255, or by check made out to Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Text AID to 50555 and donate $10 to Operation USA’s disaster relief efforts.
The Salvation Army is organizing disaster response units to serve hard-hit areas in central Oklahoma, including Moore, where it is sending mobile kitchens that can serve meals to 2,500 people a day, and to South Oklahoma City.
Supporters can donate online via the organization’s website, SalvationArmyUSA.org. You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation via cellphone.
If you want to send a check, the Salvation Army asks that you put the words “Oklahoma Tornado Relief” on the check, and mail it to: The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 12600, Oklahoma City, OK., 73157.
Samaritan’s Purse, a nonprofit that fights poverty, has sent a disaster relief unit and staff to help people affected by the tornadoes in Oklahoma City. Find out how you can support the organization’s efforts here.
The United Way of Central Oklahoma has set up a disaster relief fund so that individuals can specifically donate to tornado relief-and-recovery efforts. Financial contributions are the best way to help unless otherwise requested. Donations can be made online or checks with a notation of “May Tornado Relief” can be sent to the United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK, 73101.
World Vision, a Christian humanitarian charity organization, is loading trucks with supplies and providing assessment teams to respond to the needs of families devastated by this catastrophic tornado. Make a one-time donation to the U.S. Disaster Response Fund in order to provide relief assistance.
Please continue to check this site for additional details.
