How You Can Help Flood and Tornado Victims in the Midwest
Here are ways to donate to help victims of the spring floods and tornadoes
Julie Sheer
June 4, 2019
Houzz Contributor; journalist with more than two decades of experience as a graphics editor and writer at the Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune; outdoor guidebook author; lover of all things outdoors, nature and wildlife. Follow me at https://westcentric.wordpress.com/
Houzz Contributor; journalist with more than two decades of experience as a graphics... More
Powerful tornadoes and record-breaking rain have lead to overflowing rivers and flooding throughout the central U.S. this spring. At least 10 people have died in the storms, and many homes and other structures have been destroyed or damaged. Overall, more than 400 tornadoes were reported across more than a dozen states in May, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Railroad tracks were submerged in Boonville, Missouri, during recent flooding. Photo by Robert Stinnett
American Red Cross. The agency has opened several shelters across the Midwest and has hundreds of disaster workers supporting flood and tornado victims. Financial donations are being accepted online, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. Info
Direct Relief. This nonprofit humanitarian organization is sending medical supplies and personal-care products to health facilities across the storm-affected region. Donations made online can be designated for U.S. tornado and storm response. Info
National Association of Christian Churches. This nonprofit works with national and local agencies to help people in need during disasters. It’s taking donations online to help Midwest tornado and flood victims. Info
The Salvation Army. The group’s Midwest division is helping flood victims throughout the central U.S. find places to sleep and have meals, as well as supporting long-term recovery. Online donors can choose a region to support, or you can donate by check at local Salvation Army locations; write “2019 Floods” on the check’s memo line. Info
American Red Cross. The agency has opened several shelters across the Midwest and has hundreds of disaster workers supporting flood and tornado victims. Financial donations are being accepted online, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999. Info
Direct Relief. This nonprofit humanitarian organization is sending medical supplies and personal-care products to health facilities across the storm-affected region. Donations made online can be designated for U.S. tornado and storm response. Info
National Association of Christian Churches. This nonprofit works with national and local agencies to help people in need during disasters. It’s taking donations online to help Midwest tornado and flood victims. Info
The Salvation Army. The group’s Midwest division is helping flood victims throughout the central U.S. find places to sleep and have meals, as well as supporting long-term recovery. Online donors can choose a region to support, or you can donate by check at local Salvation Army locations; write “2019 Floods” on the check’s memo line. Info
A home in Linwood, Kansas, was leveled by a tornado on May 28. Photo by the National Weather Service
Kansas
Heart to Heart International. This group provides medical care for disaster victims worldwide through its disaster response team and mobile medical units. Its medical team is providing hygiene kits, tetanus shots, water, medical care and first aid to people affected by tornadoes in Linwood. Info
Missouri
Humane Society of Missouri. The agency’s disaster response team is providing pet food and supplies to pet owners affected by the tornadoes and helping victims locate lost pets. Online donations will help with rescue efforts and emergency sheltering. Info
United Way of Central Missouri. This group has set up a disaster recovery fund for immediate recovery needs of tornado victims throughout the Jefferson City and Eldon areas. Funds will be used to provide intermediate- and long-term recovery efforts. Donations can be made online or by texting “MIDMO” to 41444. Info
Kansas
Heart to Heart International. This group provides medical care for disaster victims worldwide through its disaster response team and mobile medical units. Its medical team is providing hygiene kits, tetanus shots, water, medical care and first aid to people affected by tornadoes in Linwood. Info
Missouri
Humane Society of Missouri. The agency’s disaster response team is providing pet food and supplies to pet owners affected by the tornadoes and helping victims locate lost pets. Online donations will help with rescue efforts and emergency sheltering. Info
United Way of Central Missouri. This group has set up a disaster recovery fund for immediate recovery needs of tornado victims throughout the Jefferson City and Eldon areas. Funds will be used to provide intermediate- and long-term recovery efforts. Donations can be made online or by texting “MIDMO” to 41444. Info
A May 22 tornado damaged homes in Jefferson City, Missouri. Photo by the National Weather Service
Ohio
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley. This group is taking donations online to support food purchases for storm victims in the Miami Valley. Choose “Storm Relief” in the pull-down menu on the donation page. Info
The Dayton Foundation. This community foundation has set up the Greater Dayton Disaster Relief Fund to distribute disaster relief funds to charitable organizations helping victims of the tornadoes that swept through the Dayton area. Donations are being accepted online and by check; write “Greater Dayton Disaster Relief” on the memo line and mail the check to The Dayton Foundation, 40 N. Main St. Suite 500, Dayton OH 45423. Info
The Foodbank. This group, which provides food for families in need in the Dayton area, is supplying water and food to tornado victims. It’s taking donations online. Info
Ohio
Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley. This group is taking donations online to support food purchases for storm victims in the Miami Valley. Choose “Storm Relief” in the pull-down menu on the donation page. Info
The Dayton Foundation. This community foundation has set up the Greater Dayton Disaster Relief Fund to distribute disaster relief funds to charitable organizations helping victims of the tornadoes that swept through the Dayton area. Donations are being accepted online and by check; write “Greater Dayton Disaster Relief” on the memo line and mail the check to The Dayton Foundation, 40 N. Main St. Suite 500, Dayton OH 45423. Info
The Foodbank. This group, which provides food for families in need in the Dayton area, is supplying water and food to tornado victims. It’s taking donations online. Info
Homes show damage from a tornado that passed through Dayton, Ohio, on May 27. Photo from the U.S. Air Force, by Wesley Farnsworth
Oklahoma
Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. This hunger-relief group is providing support to organizations acting as first responders to the storms and floods. Info
GoFundMe. The crowd-funding platform has set up a campaign to help residents of El Reno, Oklahoma, which was devastated by a powerful tornado. Info
Oklahoma
Community Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma. This hunger-relief group is providing support to organizations acting as first responders to the storms and floods. Info
GoFundMe. The crowd-funding platform has set up a campaign to help residents of El Reno, Oklahoma, which was devastated by a powerful tornado. Info
Oklahoma National Guard soldiers help Anita Smith fill sandbags for her sister-in-law’s home. Soldiers assisted Oklahoma communities after record rainfall and tornadoes. Photo from The National Guard, by Jessica Todd
Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Oklahoma. This group provides hot meals, damage assessment, child care, aid to relief workers and other services during disasters and is working with communities affected by the tornadoes and flooding across Oklahoma. It’s taking donations online, or you can mail a check to BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City OK, 73112. Info
Tulsa Community Foundation. The foundation, along with Tulsa Area United Way, has established the Disaster Relief Fund for Eastern Oklahoma to assist nonprofit organizations providing service and support to residents affected by the recent storms. Donations can be made online or by check. Make your check payable to Tulsa Community Foundation, write “Disaster Relief Fund for Eastern Oklahoma” on the memo line and mail it to Tulsa Community Foundation, 7030 S. Yale Ave., Suite 600, Tulsa OK 74136. Info
These are just some of the groups providing assistance to victims of the tornadoes and flooding. Use caution when donating money to groups. Charity Navigator evaluates and rates charitable groups. The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance also offers guidance.
Southern Baptist Convention Disaster Relief Oklahoma. This group provides hot meals, damage assessment, child care, aid to relief workers and other services during disasters and is working with communities affected by the tornadoes and flooding across Oklahoma. It’s taking donations online, or you can mail a check to BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City OK, 73112. Info
Tulsa Community Foundation. The foundation, along with Tulsa Area United Way, has established the Disaster Relief Fund for Eastern Oklahoma to assist nonprofit organizations providing service and support to residents affected by the recent storms. Donations can be made online or by check. Make your check payable to Tulsa Community Foundation, write “Disaster Relief Fund for Eastern Oklahoma” on the memo line and mail it to Tulsa Community Foundation, 7030 S. Yale Ave., Suite 600, Tulsa OK 74136. Info
These are just some of the groups providing assistance to victims of the tornadoes and flooding. Use caution when donating money to groups. Charity Navigator evaluates and rates charitable groups. The Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance also offers guidance.
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You forgot South Dakota, Nebraska, and Iowa flooding! They’ve been dealing with it since March. Farmers can’t get crops in, major roads closed, and families displaced.
Thank you for this. Good, legitimate resources in one succinct article. I live near Linwood. It’s heartbreaking and terrifying seeing devastation around the corner that just as easily could have been my family’s, as well.
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