Tornado Victims in Joplin: How to Help

Photo by Adam Hagerman

We’ve compiled a list of some of the organizations and ways to help victims of the deadly tornado in Joplin, Mo., and other recent storms. It is not intended as a comprehensive guide, but rather as a starting point for those who want to research ways to help.

You can find a general donor’s guide to giving after a disaster the Chronicle of Philanthropy, which was posted after the disaster in Japan. Also visit the website Charity Navigator, which independently evaluates charities, for more information on each organization.

• The Missouri Department of Public Safety provides a comprehensive list of organizations that are accepting donations.

• The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services provides an online registration system for health professionals to volunteer.

• Text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation to the Red Cross, or visit the special Missouri Tornado and Flood Relief site to donate online.

– AmeriCares U.S. disaster relief fund provides an online donation form.
AmeriCares is working with the Access Family Care Clinic and other clinics, shelters and health care providers in Joplin and nearby Springfield, according to its website.

• Convoy of Hope, a humanitarian aid group, sent trucks and teams to Joplin and is currently there. Donate online to their effort here.

• Feeding America is in 11 states providing disaster relief, according to its website, which provides more information about their effort and an online donation form.

• Ozarks Food Harvest has a list of most-needed items and ways to host a food drive yourself to support relief efforts in Joplin.

• The Salvation Army has a disaster services donation form online, or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY. Read updates on the Salvation Army’s disaster efforts in Joplin here.

• The United Way volunteer form lists several ways to help, from medical assistance to clearing debris.

• The Heart of Missouri United Way is collecting online donations here for the Joplin Relief Fund, or you can call 573-443-4523.

• World Vision has blog posts about their disaster relief efforts here. They are providing providing clothing and hygiene kits and will soon move in a trailer that will be a “Child-Friendly Space.” Donate online here or text ‘TORNADO’ to ‘20222′ to give a $10 donation.

• There are several Facebook pages dedicated to information about recovery, including
  Joplin, Mo. Tornado Recovery, Animals Lost & Found from the Joplin, Mo. tornado and Joplin Tornado Debris. Lost and Found

Please tell us in the comments other ways you have found to provide help to the victims of these storms, or tell us on Twitter @NewsHour

The PBS NewsHour does not certify the fund allocations of the charities listed here or intend this list as an endorsement of their work. This is intended as a tool to help those interested in contributing to relief efforts start their research.