[perrjojo]

Unbelievable storm in Moore, OK

[mfp509]

I've been watching coverage on CNN - just devastating!

[janmcn]

The latest count is four dead and 29 injured. Unfortunately, this is sure to change as the recovery continues. Several children have been pulled alive from the wreckage of the elementary school.

[Happinow]

I can't take all of these tragedies any more. When is the world going to calm down? It hurts my heart to think about all of the people, especially the children, getting hurt. We will pray for all of them. I'm going to do as many good things for people as I can. It will make me feel like I'm making up for the not so good things happening in the world.

[mfp509]

I hope there will be a truck from our area going up there with donations for these people who have lost everything. I plan to pack a box with sheets, towels and any household goods that I was going to donate to the local thrift store and be ready to send it up there where it will be desparately needed following this tragedy. There must be thousands of people with nowhere to go since all of their neighbors have lost everything as well.

[KEVIN & JOSIE]

My sister-in-law lives in OK City and was missed by this horrific event. The death toll has climbed to 50 plus at this time. I attached a link of their Channel 5 Live feed News in Oklahoma, which is the channel local to the devastation. Our prayers are with them.

Midwest Tornadoes News & Headlines

[janmcn]

The federal government must step up and help these unfortunate people with the same sense of urgency we saw after Hurricaine Sandy.

In most disasters, people ask that you donate money and not your used household items.

[asianthree]

count this morning is 21 so sad for an area that is so prepared

[Bogie Shooter]

Originally Posted by mfp509

I hope there will be a truck from our area going up there with donations for these people who have lost everything. I plan to pack a box with sheets, towels and any household goods that I was going to donate to the local thrift store and be ready to send it up there where it will be desparately needed following this tragedy. There must be thousands of people with nowhere to go since all of their neighbors have lost everything as well.

Well meaning idea. However, tons of donated items such as these ended up rotting in warehouses in New Orleans. Better off giving $ to Red Cross.

[mfp509]

Wasn't thinking of it in that way. You're right. I would just hope that any money received would be used appropriately and honestly. That's why I mostly donate items - like dog and cat food to the Humane Society for example.

[cquick]

Originally Posted by Bogie Shooter

Well meaning idea. However, tons of donated items such as these ended up rotting in warehouses in New Orleans. Better off giving $ to Red Cross.

[njbchbum]

having worked with the people who were so devastated after superstorm sandy, i can attest to the fact that the BEST thing folks from far away can do is collect gift cards of $25 denominations...appoint a 'treasurer' to hang onto them during the collection period...and then find a LOCAL, trustworthy private organization in moore, ok to distribute them - perhaps a church group. maybe someone from the oklahoma club there in the villages could coordinate - if there is an oklahoma club.

and keep the grammar school in mind this summer when school supplies go on sale...that town will have to furnish EVERYTHING for the kids. folks here in nj ran 'fill he bus' fundraisers and sent everything from gift cards, pens, pencils, crayons, and drawing pads to library books to the schools that had to be rebuilt!

it's a beautiful thing that you all in the villages are thinking of how to help. i am sure it will be appreciated.

[mfp509]

I also thought about the school's and all the supplies they will need to get back on their feet. Gift cards - good idea too.

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by mfp509

I also thought about the school's and all the supplies they will need to get back on their feet. Gift cards - good idea too.

gift cards are great because they are small but pack a big punch! and because they can go directly to the people! lord knows where govt $$ goes! second home owners in nj have received virtually nothing from all of the govt finding committed to sandy victims!

the gift cards can also be donated to food pantries that will be supporting folks for a long time to come while utilities are restored to neighborhoods.

[Bucco]

Originally Posted by njbchbum

gift cards are great because they are small but pack a big punch! and because they can go directly to the people! lord knows where govt $$ goes! second home owners in nj have received virtually nothing from all of the govt finding committed to sandy victims!

the gift cards can also be donated to food pantries that will be supporting folks for a long time to come while utilities are restored to neighborhoods.

Great, logical post and good advice. Government money does seem to get sidetracked.

Thanks for a great idea