Today, my heart breaks for my home state. Moore is no more than 100 miles from the city I called home for most of my life. As we watched the first responders pull children out from the debris of two elementary schools and now see the Medical Examiners report reach 51 total deaths plus an estimated 40 more, the sadness has overwhelmed us. However, we must not let it debilitate us. There is much to be done in the aftermath of today’s storm. I propose we fight our helplessness and uncertainty with action and love.
This is an ongoing list. Comment below {or contact me via any of my social media outlets} of any information you have that could help us help Oklahoma.
Give $.
The Red Cross will open shelters as first responders assess damage. To help in the immediate aftermath, donate here or text REDCROSS to 90999.
The Salvation Army has mobilized a number of emergency relief services in Oklahoma, including Moore, to dispense food, hydration and emotional support to first responders and survivors. Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts.
Samaritans 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.
Operation USA will work with Oklahoma’s impacted community clinics and hospitals to help replace lost equipment and supplies as well as make grants to the extent of available funds from the public to help replace health resources lost. Learn more here.
With Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief teams already responding to severe weather from Sunday in several locations, including Shawnee, Edmond and Little Axe, Oklahoma Baptists are assisting with recovery efforts from the tornado that hit Moore. Give by clicking here.
United Way of Central Oklahoma has activated its disaster relief fund, so individuals may give specifically to the May tornadoes relief and recovery efforts. Fund dollars will be distributed without administrative fees to United Way Partner Agencies working on the tornado relief efforts. To donate, go to www.unitedwayokc.org.
The Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma will be providing food to survivors. To donate $10 text FOOD to 32333 or click here.
To support Convoy of Hope who is providing help in Moore right now, text CONVOY to 50555 or give here.
Give Items.
OKLAHOMA CITY: The Gate Church is an active distribution/relief center for those that are in need in the OKC/Moore areas. Bring items such as water, diapers, blankets to {7700 N Council Rd}. To make financial donation to tornado relief efforts, click here.
DALLAS: A large truck will be heading to Moore this weekend with supplies from the Dallas area. Consider diapers, baby formula, baby wipes and baby wash as well as kennels, crates and animal food. Call Jodi at 972.489.4323.
TULSA: Passion By Design Art Gallery {5045 S. 78th E. Ave} will be taking donations for the Red Cross from 10am – 6pm on May 21st. Non-perishable food, bottled water, clothing, and hygiene products are accepted.
The Sloppy Dog Wash {4316 S Peoria Ave} is also taking supplies.
SAND SPRINGS: Word of Life Church {1402 S 81st W Ave} will be accepting bottled water, ramen noodles, blankets, pillows, diapers and formula to be taken to churches providing shelter in OKC.
McKinney Animal Hospital {4010 Hwy 97} and Sand Springs Small Animal Hospital {3414 Hwy 97} are also receiving supplies.
ENID: Kremlin High School FFA and Band are collecting supplies to be brought to the Red Cross in Moore. Drop items at the trailer parked at the Enid Mennonite Brethren Church {2500 N. Van Buren} or bring them by the Ag room at KHS between 8:30-3:30 Tuesday and Wednesday. Items to consider: Work Gloves, rake/shovel/broom, bottled water, trash bags, etc.
If you are in the OKC Metro Area and are looking for other locations by which to donate items needed for disaster relief recovery, click here.
A list of items needed across Oklahoma can be found at the bottom of this page.
Give Blood.
Donors to the Oklahoma Blood Institute provide every drop of blood needed by patients in all metro-Oklahoma City hospitals and 140 others across the state. Presently, the state’s blood supply is adequate to meet the needs of patients in all hospitals caring for victims of the Moore tornado. Since there is no substitute for blood, the supply constantly needs to be replenished. Anyone 16 years or older and in good health can generally donate blood. Those with O-negative and Rh-negative blood types are most needed. A list of Oklahoma donor centers and mobile blood drives can be found here.
DALLAS: Forest Medical Park {11990 N Central Expy} is having a blood drive on 5/22 from 12 pm – 3 pm. Call. 972.234.1900.
Reunite.
All survivors from the Moore area should register immediately at Safe and Well. This is the Red Cross site where one can register them self as safe, as well as search for others. Click here for the Moore List.
The Moore Home Depot is taking animals as they are found. Owners can visit {650 SW 19th Street} to reunite or call 405.895.6064.
Return.
Anyone in Tulsa area who has found debris from tornado damage can contact Kendrick Marshall at 918.581.8386 to report the findings. The smallest item found could represent a lifetime of memories to someone who has lost everything.
Spread the Word.
The University of Oklahoma is opening up spaces in Housing for the displaced families! Call 405.325.2511
The South OKC LifeChurch.tv campus is also open for shelter. Call 405.216.5433.
News 9 has released a list of additional shelters. Click here to view.
Benchmark Animal Hospital {1701 W 116th St, Perkins, OK} is taking in any animals that have been affected by the tornado and need shelter or medical attention. They can be reached at 405.547.8381.
For anyone who is without power, there is a phone charging station at the Moore Best Buy {2700 S Service Rd}.
Pray.
As I watch the sky change colors and form clouds here in Dallas, Texas tonight, I reminded of the ginormous magnificence of the God I believe in. No matter your belief system, I encourage you to extend your love, compassion, warmth, and hope for Oklahoma toward middle America. Today, it may not feel like enough, but these things matter, prayers are felt and, I can assure you, make a difference to those on the other side.
I come from a resilient and deeply connected state. A place where strangers become friends while standing in line at the grocery store – where I never once found a shortage of people to take me in and support me, no matter the circumstance.
Let Us Stand Strong with & Send All Our Love to Oklahoma.
Xo,
Amanda Frances McKinney
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