Update: 6-11-2013 May Tornadoes – Help for the Moore Oklahoma Tornado Victims

Red-cross-tornado

The Oklahoma AFL-CIO has been working tirelessly the past few weeks to reach out to our fellow union brothers and sisters that had been affected by the tornadoes.  The Oklahoma AFL-CIO has reached out to over 1,000 members that were known to live in the affected areas with 95 members completely losing their homes and an additional 253 members whose homes were damaged but are still livable.  The hardest number to face is the four members who lost their lives in the storms that devastated Oklahoma.  Our hearts and prayers continue to go out to the families of Terri Long (PASS), Rick Jones (APWU), Cindy Plumley (CWA), and Hemant Bhonde (UWA 1999).  

The past few weekends the Oklahoma AFL-CIO and it partners have been working to clean up members properties that had been affected by the tornadoes.  Members from across the country have come into Oklahoma to help their fellow brothers and sisters recover from the disaster that struck.

For volunteer opportunities for the next few weekends, contact David Hatch at 405-657-8160.

We understand there may still be members that have been affected that may still need help and we want to make sure they have access to the resources they need.  Please feel free to contact us at 405-528-2409.

UPDATE: 6-3-2013

I have been in contact with both Red Cross and FEMA today.  We need to deliver the items that we have collected to them this Friday, June 7th at The First Baptist Church of Moore 301 NE 27th St.  Moore, OK  73160.
As far as the items that were needed immediately such as shovels, rakes, first aid supplies…, Bill Cuenca took those to them about 8 days ago when he went down to help cut trailer frames and I-beams out of trees and structures with his cutting torch.
Currently the semi trailer out in front of the base is about 1/3 full.  We have until through this Thursday to try to fill it up.  It is my recommendation that we exhaust all communication to let people know that we will be collecting items through Thursday, June 6th.  The items needed most are:  shovels, rakes, canned meat, canned vegetables, canned fruit, soup, can openers, baby food, cat food, and dog food.
Thank You,
Chris Gibson

 

We are working with American Airlines, The Tulsa area United Way, and numerous volunteer groups to get a trailer for supplies to aid the relief efforts in Moore Oklahoma after the May 20, 2013 Tornado. Also will have a Donation link here soon.

 

As information becomes available we will post it here.

 

 

Keep those that have been involved in this tragedy in your thoughts and prayers.

UPDATE: 15:30 5-21-2013

The Collection Trailer for the Relief Items is set up in front of the main guard shack at the AA Base – 36th Street North and Mingo
It will be open for collection each day from 6am-8:30pm until further notice.

 

UPDATE: 12:10 PM

The Red Cross has notified me that they are still in the rescue and recovery mode.  All access to the towns effected by the tornadoes are blocked off.  They have not yet set up any drop off points for items collected.   The Red Cross is currently taking Blood Donations and Monetary Donations.  They are working with other agencies and charities to deliver items that we collect.

Here is a basic list of items that we can collect:

  • Bottled Water
  • Gatorade
  • Shovels
  • Rakes
  • Work Gloves
  • Flashlights
  • Batteries
  • Sunscreen
  • Heavy Duty Trash Bags
  • Plastic Storage Containers
  • Individually Wrapped Snacks
  • Baby Formula
  • Canned Food
  • Can Openers
  • Cat & Dog Food
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Wipes
  • Diapers
  • Personal Hygiene Items

 

UPDATE: 10:16 AM

Here is a list of organizations that are accepting donations: 

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund:  Click HERE to donate online.  You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to immediately donate $10 to the Red Cross Disaster Fund.

Phone: 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767); for Spanish speakers, 1-800-257-7575; for TDD, 1-800-220-4095.

Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief:  The Oklahoma Baptist Convention says says donations will “go straight to help those in need providing tree removal services, laundry services and meals to victims of disasters.”   For more information, and to donate, visit Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief’s website by clicking HERE.   
You can send checks to:
BGCO
Attn: Disaster Relief
3800 N. May Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK. 73112.

Salvation Army – The Salvation Army is deploying mobile kitchens that can serve to 2,500 people a day.  Click HERE to donate via their website.  You can also text the word STORM to 80888 to make a $10 donation from your mobile phone.

You can also donate to the Salvation Army via check:  Put the words “Oklahoma Tornado Relief” on the check, and mail to:
The Salvation Army
P.O. Box 12600
Oklahoma City, OK.  73157.
Phone:  1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769).

Feeding America – Feeding America says it utilize its 200 foodbanks to deliver food and supplies.  Click HERE for their website.

Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma – Text the word FOOD to 32333 to donate $10 to the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma

SOURCE: 94.9 WOLX