By Teri Peters
Updates by Kimberly Morin
Assistance by all the twisters!
April 30, 2011
The Twisters Tornado Relief Marathon
We are nine women from across America who joined forces less than a year ago with a focused mission; to sponsor and raise money for conservative political candidates. Our twitter bio states that we are “ a tightly knit group of superpower wielding, patriotic conservative bad-asses of the female kind.” Most of this is true. Unfortunately we don’t really have superpowers. Therefore this weekend we are asking for your assistance in a mission that is a departure from our norm. Beginning now, that mission is to provide a variety of assistance, primarily financial, to the victims of the deadliest tornadoes to hit the United States since the Great Depression.
Our avatar is a twister with clouds that resemble a heart. It has obviously been enhanced but the original image was born from an actual twister. As I have learned in the past few days, tornadoes have no heart. Though I live in California and have never experienced the wrath of a tornado I need not be an expert to know that Mother Nature has once again reminded us that she is the one with the superpowers.
Since the tornadoes began I have been worried about using the twisters hashtag. My concern is that someone affected by the tornadoes might find it insensitive or worse. It is not an irrational thought. In the midst of posting updates about San Diego’s 7.2 magnitude Easter day quake in 2010, I received a tweet expressing the hope that “ California would fall into the ocean” . From my perch under the dining room table, I broke down. Not wanting to cause any further strife to a victim, I have been pondering the thought of temporarily changing our avatar and dispensing with the twisters hashtag. As is often the case when I am troubled, yesterday I spent some time at the beach mulling things over. Sitting on the warm sand witnessing the familiar power of the sea, a thought occurred. Instead of disabling the hashtag we could use it to help the victims of this tragedy. The twisters tornado relief marathon was formulated. Within an hour the twisters were on a conference call and this plan was quickly formed. I stress “quickly” as we know we haven’t captured all of the links or resources and there again, we seek your help.
This post contains links to numerous relief agencies, information on how you can help and as much data as we could gather on short notice. The blog will be updated as additional resources come to light. Though our primary goal is to raise funds for the victims of these deadly tornadoes, we will also be posting information on rescue and recovery efforts. We have seen the great generosity of Americans on so many occasions when natural disasters strike and we are confident that with your help we shall rise to this challenge.
We are acutely aware that these are difficult economic times, even for those of us who did not lose our possessions or loved ones in the devastating storms. This does not daunt us. Our experience with political fund raising and social media has taught us that even a $5.00 or $10.00 donation adds up quickly and every little bit helps. We are posting a wide variety of charitable organizations and resources so if one is not to your liking for whatever reason; we hope you will choose another. We are only asking you to do what is within your means. All assistance is welcome including ideas. If all you can do is help us enhance this effort and/or spread the word, please do so. We are asking for your retweets and Facebook postings. Additionally, please email this and any updated posts to those who are not on social media.
As stated, this marathon was planned quickly and we know that we have not captured all of the resources. We need your assistance to inform us of additional relief efforts, organizations or any other information that will be helpful to our fellow Americans who have been impacted by this horrific series of storms.
Tragedy knows no political affiliation. Although “the Twisters” are 9 conservative women, we are hoping that this be an apolitical effort. Our ideology may differ but events such as these remind us that politics are unimportant when our neighbors are in need. We thank you in advance for your help with this marathon. We are not famous or wealthy but we do have social media as our arena. Let’s rock this!
You can track our posts by following us at @theTwisters and/or on our individual twitter accounts = @0402sgrl @1SupremeGoddess @AssKickyMcHotti @ConservativeInd @FlyingPatriot @GaltsGirl @hipEchik @Runedart @Suziplasse. We are also on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/2dn4gs2 . Additionally you can follow the #twisters hashtag on twitter.
The hour is late, the time is short. Please forgive any typos etc. The organizations we have chosen to begin with are as follows (in no particular order). Please help us help those in need. Thank you and God Bless.
UPDATE: This list has gotten quite extensive – a huge THANK YOU to everyone passing along information!! We are separating out by state so that if you are in that state or near and want to donate or volunteer you can easily find where to go and what to do. THANK YOU to all who are donating money, items and time – you have no idea how much this means to the people of these devastated states.
UPDATE: We are moving the list to a separate page. While the ‘marathon’ may be over, we will still be spreading this information around as much as possible. Many people sent information to us and we’d like to give you a HUGE THANK YOU!!!! Because we all got so much information from different people, rather than offend anyone by not including them, we are thanking all of you – you know who you are!!!
General Information/Donations for all States
F.E.M.A. Blog. Check here for updates and resources : http://blog.fema.gov/2011/04/recap-2-response-and-support-efforts.html
U.S. tornado damage estimated in billions
UMCOR Underscores Commitment to Storm-ravaged South
How to help tornado victims in the South : http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/04/28/2190950/how-to-help-tornado-victims-in.html#ixzz1L0eyBItZ
2011 Tornadoes : Ways To Help : http://www.ecorazzi.com/2011/04/29/2011-tornadoes-ways-to-help/
ABC News lists ways to help tornado survivors
SALVATION ARMY – The charity is providing food, drinks and spiritual support to victims. To donate, text GIVE to 80888 to donate $10 through your phone bill. Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY (725-2769) or visit http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/
The Salvation Army is helping to feed the over a million people who have been left homeless by sending in food trucks. They are also accepting texted donations of $10 when you send a text of “GIVE” to 80888.
You can call 1-800-SAL-ARMY and donors can text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation. Checks can be made out to the Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, Ga., 30384-0339.
Feed The Children Storm Relief : https://secure2.convio.net/ftc/site/Donation2?df_id=2360&2360.donation=form1&s_src=201104-disaster-hewitt-984v
SAVE THE CHILDREN - The relief effort providing food, medical care and education to children is accepting donations online at http://j.mp/kbE3A6. People can also call 1-800-728-3843 during business hours.
WORLD VISION – The Christian humanitarian organization focuses on children, aiming to lessen the emotional and psychological damage that many children suffer during crises. To donate, visit www.worldvision.org or call 1-866-56-CHILD (24453).
Winn Dixie starts tornado relief program : http://www.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/news/2011/04/29/winn-dixie-starts-tornado-relief.html
Red Cross : Please help Alabama, Georgia & Miss tornado victims! Text REDCROSS To: 90999 to give $10 or go to Red Cross website : https://american.redcross.org/site/Donation2?4882.donation=form1&idb=1495181504&df_id=4882
The American Red Cross is accepting donations online, but also via phone at 1-800-RED-CROSS. They’re also asking for blood donations and volunteers to help with disaster relief. Additionally, if you’ve got your cellphone handy, you can easily text “REDCROSS” to 90999 and contribute $10 to the cause.
If you’re looking to volunteer, a group called Samaritan’s Purse is sending groups of volunteers into the stricken areas. You can also donate online to the organization.
CATHOLIC CHARITIES – The charity accepts disaster donations by calling 1-800-919-9338 or visiting https://www.catholiccharitiesusa.org.
Do you live in Ohio? ISOH/IMPACT is having a Bucket Brigade –
Fill a bucket with needed supplies from the provided lists. Drop off your bucket at one of our area centers or directly at the ISOH/IMPACT warehouse located at 905 Farnsworth Rd. in Waterville, OH. (If you don’t live in NW Ohio or SE Michigan and would like to get involved, contact us about establishing a remote distribution center.)
Facebook Site to Reunite Tornado Victims with Pictures & Documents – http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pictures-and-Documents-found-after-the-April-27-2011-Tornadoes/162443980482277?sk=wall
Soles4Souls® Inc., The Shoe Charity, Responds With Aid for Tornado Victims – Individuals interested in supporting Soles4Souls’ relief efforts are encouraged to visit www.giveshoes.org to find the nearest shoe drop-off location in their area or to financially sponsor pairs of new shoes to be sent. Individuals can also text the word SHOES to 20222 to donate $5.
Lutheran Church Disaster Relief - http://www.lcms.org/page.aspx?pid=544
Alabama
The Governor of Alabama’s office is accepting donations for church and community relief organizations. Donations can be sent using a credit card or check.
Alabama GOP Sen. Jeff Sessions will be touring affected areas today and also has a relief page here.
Tornado relief: How you can help in Alabama – Extremely comprehensive list of ways to help Alabama and ways to help IN Alabama http://alabamapossible.org/2011/04/tornado-relief-how-you-can-help/
- Call 2-1-1 (toll free 1-888-421-1266) to find out where volunteers are most needed.
- To foster a pet, email tornadopetsofAL at yahoo.com with the subject line “Will foster”
Tornado Donation Drop Off Locations in Alabama – http://www.fox10tv.com/dpp/news/sidebar_stories/tornado-relief-donations-resources
Church of the Highlands Alabama Relief Efforts – List of what they need and how you can help! http://churchofthehighlands.com/relief
Alabama/Auburn United T-Shirt!! (Tornado Relief)
West Alabama Food Bank – http://www.westalabamafoodbank.org/ Text the word FOOD to 27722 to give $10 to West Alambama Food bank – Answer YES to Questions 1 & 2. All funds stay in West Alabama.
Wiregrass Church in Alabama – We will collecting gift cards at the church beginning May 1. Please bring gift cards from Publix, Wal-Mart, Wal-Greens, or Dollar General. Pre-paid debit cards and gas cards from the major gas companies would also be beneficial. We have relationships with churches in the affected areas who can distribute the cards directly to the affected people. Thank you for your help. If you would like to mail us the cards please send them to P.O. BOX 1601, Dothan, AL 36302. You can also donate online.
Alabama’s 13 and United Way to host Tornado relief telethon May 4th through May 5th – http://www2.wspa.com/blogs/Alabamas13-Weather-Blog/2011/may/03/alabamas-13-host-tornado-relief-telethon-ar-1796522/
Tuscaloosa: Want to help? – http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110428/NEWS/110429644/1007/news?tc=ar
Donation drop-off points Walker County -http://walkercounty.myfoxal.com/news/community-spirit/donation-drop-points/80058
Alabama tornadoes: More opportunities to help North & Central Alabama (Updated List) -http://blog.al.com/bargain-mom/2011/04/alabama_tornadoes_more_opportu_1.html
Birmingham Bars and Restaurants Help with Tornado Relief – Birmingham Happy Hour: http://bit.ly/j7Q73G
Toomers For Tuscaloosa (with resources for other States also) – http://www.toomers4tuscaloosa.com/
Arkansas
Salvation Army Responds to Garland and Randolph Counties, Arkansas -http://disaster.salvationarmyusa.org/media/?ID=f8d176c87fef141fdd85dce875850748
Help for Vilonia, Arkansas with updates by Representative David Meeks – http://davidmeeks.blogspot.com/2011/04/ways-to-help-vilonia.html
Georgia
Georgians look for ways to help tornado survivors – Extremely comprehensive list of ways you can help if you are in Georgia from March of Dimes to the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. Click on the comprehensive list link to view more ways to help in Georgia:
- The March of Dimes is mobilizing its network of volunteers and sponsors to help pregnant women and families with infants cope with the aftermath of the storm. March for Babies walkers Saturday are asked to bring diapers, hand sanitizer and powdered formula to any of the metro Atlanta March for Babies sites. For locations check www.marchofdimes.com/georgia and go to the events section.
- Starting Saturday, Kroger shoppers can round up their purchases to the nearest dollar to directly benefit the American Red Cross relief efforts.
- At Publix Super Markets customers can donate any amount by adding it to their grocery total when checking out. Collected money will be channeled through the Red Cross and designated specifically for the Southern storms disaster relief efforts. In a separate donation, Publix Super Markets Charities is contributing $100,000 to the Red Cross.
- The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office is collecting bottled water, nonperishable foods, soap, shampoo and tarps. People can donate those items at the headquarters at 2985 Camp Road in Jasper. For information call 706-253-8900.
Mississippi
Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund : Anyone who would like to contribute can donate either through the website www.mississippirelief.com, or text “MS” to 27722 to give $10 to the Mississippi Disaster Recovery Fund.
Best Western Rewards Members Can Donate Points for Tornado Relief Efforts in Southeast U.S – http://www.newschannel5.com/story/14566052/best-western-rewards-members-can-donate-points-for-tornado-relief-efforts-in-southeast-us
Media General’s WVTM-TV Organizes United Way Telethon to Support Victims of Tornados http://tinyurl.com/3scbzd5 On May 4th
AmeriCares Responding to Deadly Twisters in the U.S. - http://www.newschannel5.com/story/14556586/americares-responding-to-deadly-twisters-in-the-us
Oklahoma
Country music stars Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton are organizing a benefit concert for victims, tickets will range from $45-$100. Tickets go on sale May 6th, and the concert date is set for May 26th at the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant, OK with all proceeds going to benefit storm victims in Atoka County, Oklahoma
You can also donate to Oklahoma victims by texting OKGIVE to 27722 to make a one-time $10 donation for tornado victims
Tennessee
List of ways to help tornado victims in East Tennessee – http://www.newschannel9.com/news/supplies-1000717-sheriff-drop.html
Volunteer And Donate To Tornado Relief Effort http://www.wcyb.com/news/27718702/detail.html
ETSU establishes website to assist victims of tornadoes
Donation drop-off points for Walker Co. - http://t.co/MPzHopW
Neighbor To Neighbor: How Nashville Can Help With Alabama Tornado Relief - http://nashvillest.com/2011/04/28/neighbor-to-neighbor-how-to-help-with-alabama-tornado-relief/
Virginia
How to help Halifax tornado victims in Virginia –
Donate clothing, shoes, personal care and hygiene items at First Baptist Millstone Church (at 1157 Millstone Church Trail in Nathalie on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.)
OR Hands Up For Halifax (at 807 Traver Ave. in South Boston.) For more info on Hands Up, call Dale Trent at (434) 579-4243, Brandee Sharp at (434) 470-0384 or Angie Jones at (434) 222-6389.
Donate money to the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter, which includes Halifax. Call the Red Cross at (434) 476-5148 or toll-free at (866) 242-8757.
ANIMAL RESOURCES!
Give a Hoot; Rescue a Wild Bird Injured or Orphaned by the Storms – Alabama Wildlife Center tells how you can help rescue injured or orphaned birds and also Donations can be made online at http://www.awrc.org/Donate%20Cash, or by telephone Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at (205) 663-7930, extension 8. There is also a Wish List of needed items available on the website, and those items can be delivered every day from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
ANIMALS LOST & FOUND IN ALABAMA Facebook PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/ALTornadoAnimals?sk=info
ANIMALS LOST & FOUND IN GEORGIA Facebook PAGE: http://www.facebook.com/lostandfoundpetsingeorgiatornados
Displaced Animals in East Tennesse Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Displaced-Animals-Eastern-Tn-from-427-storms/206936232662532
Clarksville, AL J&M Petland is taking donations for pets - Donations of bedding, food, collars, leashes, bottled water and other goods for pets can be dropped off at the store, 1450 Fort Campbell Blvd. The store is open Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 645-2130.
Daffy’s Soup Kitchen has list of places in Georgia to donate items for pets – http://daffyspetsoupkitchen.info/locations/drop-off-locations/
PLEASE TWEET US WITH ANY ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS, RESOURCES LINKS ETC.
* PLEASE NOTE, THE TWISTERS ARE NOT RECEIVING ANY COMPENSATION IN ANY FORM*
Finally, please pray for those in need. Thank you and God Bless.
Photo by AP