Tornadoes 2011: How to Help Storm Victims
Death toll rises across five states, including at least 195 dead in Alabama.
April 28, 2011— -- Deadly tornadoes and thunderstorms ripped through the South Wednesday, devastating dozens of cities and killing more than 290 people across five states.
The majority of the deaths have been reported in Alabama with 195 people killed, including 15 in the city of Tuscaloosa alone, where 200-mph winds swept homes off their foundations.
President Obama declared a state of emergency for the search-and-rescue response in Alabama late Wednesday and said federal officials had their eye on the storms and would offer help as needed.
Find out below how to help and donate to the April 2011 tornado relief effort.
Donate to Tornado Relief Effort
American Red Cross: The Red Cross is providing relief to people across the hardest-hit states, providing shelter, and relief to survivors.
To make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief, visit its online donation page.
You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Salvation Army: The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services is responding to the deadly tornado activity throughout the South, mobilizing feeding units and providing support to the victims.
To donate to the Salvation Army's tornado disaster response, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org, click on their donation page and designate "April 2011 Tornado Outbreak."
You can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and donors can text "GIVE" to 80888 to make a $10 donation. Checks can be made out to the Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, Ga., 30384-0339.
Feeding America: Feeding America helps food banks provide food to communities affected by the recent tornadoes.
To make a donation to Feeding America, visit its online donation page.
Alabama
Governor's Emergency Relief Fund: The Fund, part of the Alabama Governor's Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, provides additional recovery assistance to Alabama residents who have exhausted all other coverage provided by relief organizations, government programs and insurance. To donate, visit the online donation page.