How to Help Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado

Americans across the country are reacting with shock to the devastation caused by a 2-mile wide Tornado in Oklahoma. Dozens have died, and President Obama has declared the path of the tornado a major disaster area.

If you would like to help, you can do so from your computer or mobile device right now.

• The Red Cross says in the immediate aftermath, the best way to help is to donate at RedCross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999.
• The Salvation Army has mobilized in Oklahoma, and you can support them by donating online; or by texting STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts; or by making a donation via phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
• For a longer list of organizations related to recovery from the tornado, see this list on The Huffington Post.

Patch will be posting stories of locals who are working to help victims from afar. If you know of someone local was affected by the tornado or who is working to help the victims, please contact your local editor.

Memories of Fridley 1965 Tornadoes
Several people on Twitter, the Oklahoma tornadoes brought to mind the tornadoes that swept through Fridley in 1965.

Manual Expressions from Jekyll Island, GA (@expressionsbyme) wrote:

grew up w/tornados! the night of may 6th 1965 i lived a mile or so from fridley. 6 tornados 4 that were F4's http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1965_Twin_Cities_tornado_outbreak … …

Heidi in St. Paul (@laflaneuse) wrote:

Grew up w/ a healthy fear of tornado sirens since my parents were in the Fridley MN 1965(?) F-4 tornado. Their apt bldg was destroyed.

Related at Fridley Patch:

• May 22, 2011: Tornado Hits Fridley
• May 26, 2011: See the City of Fridley's Tornado Map
• June 8, 2011: President Includes Fridley in Tornado Disaster Declaration
• March 20, 2013:
• May 6, 2013: Monday Marks 48 Years Since 1965 Fridley Tornadoes
• May 21, 2013: Parents Talk: Teachers Bring More Than Academics in Time of Tragedy