Here’s how to help tornado victims

Gazette staff

Dec. 12, 2021 11:42 am, Updated: Dec. 12, 2021 1:34 pm

At least 30 tornadoes across six states left scores of people dead this weekend and may become the deadliest outbreak of December tornadoes ever in the nation’s history.

Kentucky’s death toll alone could exceed 100, the state’s governor warned Sunday. The outbreak also killed at least six people in Illinois, where an Amazon facility in Edwardsville was hit; four in Tennessee; two in Arkansas, where a nursing home was destroyed; and two in Missouri.

Here are ways Iowans can help:

A car sits on top of the rubble of a destroyed house after a tornado in Dawson Springs, Ky., Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021. A monstrous tornado, carving a track that could rival the longest on record, ripped across the middle of the U.S. on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Clubb)

Donate money

Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, whose state was hardest hit, has established a fund for tax-deductible contributions. Donate online at: secure.kentucky.gov/formservices/Finance/WKYRelief

Or to mail in a donation: Make check out to Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet. In the memo line note the donation is for the "Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund." Mail to: Kentucky Finance and Administration Cabinet, 200 Mero St., Fifth Floor, Frankfort, KY 40622.

American Red Cross: Visit redcross.org or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) to make a donation. Or, to make a $10 donation by text message, text REDCROSS to 90999. You must be at least 18 or have parental permission; charges will appear on your wireless bill. To donate by mail, visit the Red Cross website to download a form.

Salvation Army: Contribute to its disaster relief fund at: salvationarmyusa.org/usn/help-disaster-survivors

Or by mail, specify the disaster and send check to: The Salvation Army — Disaster Relief; PO Box 1959; Atlanta, GA 30301. Or by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769)

Donate blood

Even before the deadly tornadoes, blood centers reported a severe shortage due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were encouraging donations. To help the need:

Red Cross: Find a blood drive near you by entering your ZIP code at redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive

ImpactLife (formerly known as the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center): Visit bloodcenter.org to schedule a donation.