At least 50 devastating tornadoes tore through parts of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, and Tennessee this past weekend. More than 100 people are feared dead and widespread destruction will take towns months to sort through and rebuild. Volunteers on the ground are asking that people keep roads clear to allow emergency responders to continue assessing damage and consider donating to these organizations to support families with medical costs and rebuilding efforts.
Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
This fund was set up by Gov. Andy Beshear and will go directly to helping victims who have lost homes and loved ones. Donations can be made online here or mailed to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero St., 218 NC, Frankfort, KY 40601.
CARE
This Atlanta-based nonprofit is partnering with organizations on the ground to supply food, water and cash vouchers to affected families. You can donate to their tornado relief fund here.
Aspire Appalachia
This nonprofit helps people and animals in Eastern Kentucky. Donations can be sent to paypal@aspireappalachia.org or PO Box 1255, Jackson, KY 41339.
Global Empowerment Mission
This Miami-based nonprofit is partnering with Racing Louisville and Louisville City Football Club to ship in supplies for those affected. Donations can be made online here.
Global Giving
This D.C.-based nonprofit has established a Midwest US Tornado Relief Fund. Donations can be made here.
Kentucky Counseling Center
Working with counselors and social workers, this nonprofit is collecting donations for affected families. Donations can be made here.
Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
This GoFundMe page was set up by the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
Mercy Chefs
This nonprofit distributes meals to those in need in the wake of a disaster. Donations can be made here.
United Way of Kentucky
United Way has created a donation site specifically for tornado victims which can be found here.
Unfortunately, many scammers will use a crisis as an opportunity to take advantage of those looking to help. Ensure that your money is going to a valid relief organization by avoiding phone calls soliciting donations and researching the charity in question on charitynavigator.org.
