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. Although the inclination to donate clothes and other goods is strong when people have lost everything, staff in a major disaster area often lack the manpower to sort through the donations. Money directed to disaster funds can have a more immediate, effective impact.

Red Cross
Donate money to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund or text REDCROSS to 90999 to automatically donate $10, which will be added to your cell phone bill.

Salvation Army
The Salvation Army will provide food, hydration and support to first responders and survivors. Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10. Make a donation via phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma
Text FOOD to 32333 for a $10 donation to the food bank.

Blankets for Brigantine & Beyond
This organization helped with Hurricane Sandy relief. The group is sending a tractor-trailer of supplies to Oklahoma and is collecting only first aid supplies, personal care items, new socks, new underwear and work gloves. Visit the group's Facebook page for more information.

Reformed Church World Service
The church, which has a branch in Collingswood, is collecting donations to its disaster fund. Learn more here.

Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma
The church organization's disaster fund helps with tree removal, laundry service and meals for victims. Learn more here.

Convoy of Hope
Convoy of Hope is a faith-based nonprofit that provides disaster relief. Visit their website to donate or text CONVOY to 50555 to donate $10. Learn more here.  

For a longer list of organizations related to recovery from the tornado, see this list on The Huffington Post.

Remember that disasters are prime targets for scammers. Donate only to groups you're comfortable with or have vetted. 

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.

Is your school, church, business or nonprofit doing something for the Moore, OK, tornado victims? Leave the details in the comments.