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.

• The Red Cross says in the immediate aftermath, the best way to help is to donate at RedCross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999.
• The Salvation Army has mobilized in Oklahoma, and you can support them by donating online; or by texting STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts; or by making a donation via phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
• For a longer lists of organizations related to recovery from the tornado, see this list on The Huffington Post.

Local efforts are happening at the Village Inn Sports Bar in North Hudson and the Agave Kitchen in downtown Hudson.

Hudson businessman Paul Rode plans to hold a donation drive on Saturday, May 25 from noon to 4 p.m. to fill a rental truck with supplies that he personally intends to drive to Oklahoma. The 26-foot truck was donated by All Seasons Rental.

From Rode's Facebook page:

Saturday we fill the Penske Truck with supplies! We are showing Oklahoma that Wisconsin loves them. I need your help. Noon till 4pm #atAgave

Rode rallied the Hudson community to pull off the same feat in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. 

    RELATED:

• Paul Rode Drops Off 13 Tons of Goods to Aid Sandy Relief Efforts

From Village Inn's Facebook page:

I'm leaving Thursday night for Oklahoma with donations of canned goods and bottled h20 and clothing. I will leave my trailer open in the parking lot at the Village Inn in North Hudson.

Patch will be posting more stories about 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 Hudson Patch Editor Shawn Hogendorf at shawn.hogendorf@patch.com.