Photo credit: Bryan Terry / THE OKLAHOMAN
Today, the people of our country endured yet another tragedy and another reminder of just how fragile and precious life is. Instead of promoting music tonight like I typically do, I think it's more appropriate to promote faith, the power of people coming together and praying for miracles in the rubble of the Oklahoma tornadoes. Nature has a way of reminding us that life can change in an instant, anytime, anywhere to any one of us. That goodbye kiss before you go to bed at night could be the last memory you have of someone so don't take those moments for granted. Hug your kids a little tighter, kiss your significant other just a little bit longer, say I love you and mean it. You may not get another chance and if by chance you do get another chance, start all over and do it again. To those in Oklahoma, you're not alone, a nation stands behind you and prays for you. The power of people and faith is an amazing thing. It may not bring the miracles we hope for but it sure feels good to have that hope and to have it together.
~ Jenn
How can you help?
Donate to the Red Cross here -
http://www.redcross.org/charitable-donations
If you want to send a $10 donation to the Disaster Relief fund via text message, you can do so by texting the word
REDCROSS to
90999. As in the case with other donations via mobile, the donation will show up on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your balance if you have a prepaid phone. You need to be 18 or older, or have parental permission, to donate this way. (If you change your mind, text the word
STOP to
90999.)
Phone:
1-800-RED CROSS (
1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers,
1-800-257-7575; for TDD,
1-800-220-4095.
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief
This organization says donations will "go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters."
It is requesting monetary donations (It says clothing is NOT needed). For more information, and to donate, visit
Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief's website.You can send checks to: BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK., 73112.
Salvation Army
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.
Phone:
1-800-SAL-ARMY (
1-800-725-2769).
United Way of Central Oklahoma
A disaster relief fund is being activated as of May 21 so that individuals can specifically donated to tornado relief-and-recovery efforts, the organization says on
its site.
"Financial contributions are the best way to help unless otherwise requested." Donations can be made online at
United Way of Central Oklahoma’s Disaster Relief Fund is open. Donations may be made
online here. Checks, with a notation of "May Tornado Relief" can also be sent to the United Way of Central Oklahoma, P.O. Box 837, Oklahoma City, OK , 73101.
Feeding America
Through its network of more than 200 food banks,
Feeding America, whose mission is to "feed America's hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks," says it 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
here.
Phone:
1-800-910-5524.
Operation USA
The international relief group, based in Los Angeles, says it is "readying essential material aid — emergency, shelter and cleaning supplies" to help Oklahoma's community health organizations and schools recover.
You can donate online
here. You can also give a $10 donation by texting the word AID to 50555. Checks should be sent to: Operation USA, 7421 Beverly Blvd., PH, Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: 1-800-678-7255.
