There are no words to adequately describe the devastation left in the wake of the tornadoes that tore through six states on December 11.
Here in North Texas, we are no strangers to the havoc tornadoes can wreak. Two years ago, at least 9 separate tornadoes dropped across North Texas, including an EF-3 tornado that stayed on the ground for 32 minutes in Dallas, the costliest tornado event in Texas history.
When we needed help, our neighbors answered the call. Now it’s our turn.
Here are some ways to help our neighbors in Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
Dallas-Area Disaster Relief Organizations
Samaritan’s Purse, an international relief organization, is sending disaster response teams and trucks with tools and equipment from Texas and other locations. Donations to support their response efforts can be made here.
Texas Baptist Men (TBM), a locally based group that provides disaster relief, is gearing up to send teams to help those people impacted by the tornadoes. They anticipate sending volunteers and trucks with supplies to the impacted areas this week. TBM volunteers will be helping the recovery effort through emergency supplies, meal distribution, clean-up, and rebuilding. Donations to support their response efforts can be made here.
World Vision, a global Christian humanitarian organization, will be sending trucks loaded with emergency supplies from its Grand Prairie location. In addition to food and emergency kits, the group will be sending heaters, solar lights, and mini refrigerators. Donations to support their response efforts can be made here.
Local Organizations in the Impacted Areas
Edwardsville Community Foundation is accepting donations for relief efforts in Illinois, where a tornado destroyed an Amazon distribution center and killed six people. Online donations can be made here.
Kentucky Baptist Convention, an organization of Baptist groups, is accepting donations to fund its teams on the ground in Kentucky. Donations may be made by mail or online. Checks should be made out to “Kentucky Baptist Convention” with “Disaster Relief” in the memo line and mailed to Kentucky Baptist Convention, P.O. Box 950295, Louisville, KY 40295-9900. Online donations can be made here.
Kentucky Branded, a clothing store in Lexington, is donating 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of its “Pray for Kentucky” shirt to the Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund. T-shirts are $20 each and can be ordered here.
Kentucky’s Heartland branch of Feeding America is accepting monetary donations to feed people who might be without power and meals. Online donations can be made here
Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund was created by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to assist those impacted by the tornadoes in the western portion of the state. They are accepting donations by mail or online. Checks should be made out to “Kentucky State Treasurer” and should reference “Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund” in the memo line. Their mailing address is Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Metro Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601. Online donations can be made here.
United Way of Kentucky is accepting monetary donations to support the immediate needs and long-term recovery for impacted communities in Kentucky. Online donations can be made here.
National & International Organizations
You can quickly donate $10 to the American Red Cross by texting “REDCROSS” to the number 90999. Other donations can be made here or by calling 800-733-2767.
CARE, an international aid organization, is providing water, food, shelter, and cash assistance to families impacted by the tornadoes. Online donations can be made here.
Catholic Charities USA is accepting donations to help families and communities affected by the tornadoes. Online donations can be made here.
Convoy of Hope, a faith-based relief organization that feeds the hungry, is raising money for survivors in the impacted states. Online donations can be made here.
GoFundMe has created a list of verified tornado fundraisers to help those in need to rebuild and recover. You can find the list here.
International Medical Corps, an organization that provides emergency medical services, is responding to help people affected by the Kentucky tornadoes by working with local agencies and partners to provide such assistance as temporary shelters, generators, medical supplies and equipment, and hygiene items. Online donations can be made here.
The Salvation Army is soliciting donations to help tornado victims. Online donations can be made here or by calling 800-725-2769. Information on donating items (food, water, and other goods) can be found here.
Team Rubicon, a health-focused disaster response organization, is accepting donations to fund its emergency response team in Kentucky and assistance to health care facilities in multiple states. Online donations can be made here.
