How to Help Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado

Americans across the country are reacting with shock to the devastation caused by a 2-mile wide Tornado in Oklahoma. Dozens have died, and President Obama has declared the path of the tornado a major disaster area.

Hours after the tornado moved through, the Beverly City Council - with two midwest natives on it - held a meeting. Ward 6 Councilor Brett Schetzsle, an Indiana native, said he lived and worked for a summer in the "I-35 corridor" - the area where Monday's tornado moved through.

"There's nothing more terrifying than a tornado," he said. "It is something we should be thankful that we don't have to deal with them."

Residents in the affected area will have a "long and painful recovery," he said.

Scott Houseman, the Ward 4 City Councilor, is also a native Midwesterner and said tornado leave a path of "terror and devastation."

If you would like to help, you can do so from your computer or mobile device right now.

• The Red Cross says in the immediate aftermath, the best way to help is to donate at RedCross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999.
• The Salvation Army has mobilized in Oklahoma, and you can support them by donating online; or by texting STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army’s relief efforts; or by making a donation via phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.
• For a longer lists of organizations related to recovery from the tornado, see this list on The Huffington Post.

If you know of someone with ties to Beverly that was affected by the tornado or who is working locally to help the victims, please leave a comment below or send an e-mail to robertg@patch.com.