Joplin, Missouri: How To Help Tornado Victims

ABCNews

Rescue efforts are now underway as residents of Joplin, Mo., try to pick up the pieces of their lives after a devastating tornado hit the city of about 50,000 and severe storms ravaged the Midwest this weekend.

At least 89 people have been reported dead in Joplin. Authorities say 25 percent to 30 percent of the city has been damaged by the tornado, which was reportedly one mile wide, with winds of nearly 200 mph.

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency Sunday evening and activated the National Guard. Find out below how to help this city, 160 miles south of Kansas City.

Donate to the Tornado Relief Effort

To make a donation to the American Red Cross’ Disaster Relief, visit its online donation page.

You can also call 1-800-RED-CROSS or text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

To donate to the United Way, visit its online donation page.

The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster services teams are helping to feed residents and first responders in Joplin; Reading, Kan.; and parts of Minnesota affected by the storms.

To donate to the The Salvation Army’s efforts, visit www.salvationarmyusa.org and click on the donation page.

You can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and donors can text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.

To Help and Find Relatives

The American Red Cross’ Safe and Well website helps friends and family connect with those in devastated areas.

On Facebook, several pages have been created to assist concerned relatives in finding loved ones and getting information on how to help: Help Joplin and Joplin, Mo., Tornado Recovery.

Missouri residents with medical skills who want to help, can go to ShowMeResponse.org.