Oklahoma Tornado: How You Can Help the Victims

The Red Cross, Salvation Army and other organizations have made it easy to contribute to the recovery effort after a tornado ripped through Oklahoma City and its suburbs.

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 Barack Obama has declared the path of the tornado a major disaster area. If you would like to help, you can do so from your computer or mobile device right now. Patch will be posting stories of locals who are working to help victims from afar. If you know of someone local was affected by the tornado or who is working to help the victims, please contact your local editor. See related on Patch: 

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Red Cross Assisting Families Throughout St. Louis Region After Storms

A 24-hour Red Cross shelter remains open at this time at the Hazelwood Civic Center at 8969 Dunn Road, where staff and volunteers are providing food and shelter to displaced residents.

Overnight Apartment Fire Forces Several Florissant Families Out of Their Homes

Eight people were forced out of their homes overnight after a fire broke out around 2 a.m. in a first-floor unit.

Several families were forced out of their homes thanks to an overnight fire in a Florissant apartment building, according to a report from Fox2Now. The fire reportedly broke out around 2 a.m., and when crews arrived at the scene, they food a fire in the bedroom of a first-floor unit. While the flames were contained quickly and no one was hurt in the blaze, the Red Cross was called to help provide food, shelter and clothing for the displaced families. Eight people were inside the 12-unit building at Mescalero and Mendocina. Fox2 reports that most of the residents had a place to go, but one family would receive help with shelter from the Red Cross. No word on how the fire started. Stick with Florissant Patch for updates on this situation as …

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Do You Know Any Heroes? The Red Cross Would Like to Honor Them

The Red Cross is seeking nominations for its Lifesaver Awards.

Do You know a hero? The Red Cross wants to honor him or her for its 2013 American Red Cross Lifesaver Awards. The organization is seeking nominations immediately to celebrate local Lifesavers in 10 categories, including: Disaster Relief, Lifesaving Organization, Firefighter, Water Safety, Good Samaritan Youth, Good Samaritan Adult, Blood Services, Law Enforcement, Military and Healthcare Professional. Nominations are due Feb. 1. Winners will be celebrated at the Lifesaver Awards Breakfast on May 9. For more information and to nominate a Lifesaver, call 314-516-2789 or visit redcross.org/stl and go to “local programs.”

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Letter to Editor: Red Cross Exceeds Goal in Letters to Service Members Campaign

"This time of year generally brings out the best in people, and we have certainly seen that here at the American Red Cross."

This Letter to the Editor is from Cindy Erickson, Regional CEO, American Red Cross. This time of year generally brings out the best in people, and we have certainly seen that here at the American Red Cross. Because Service to the Armed Forces is a key mission area for the Red Cross, during the month of November, we asked the community to help send holiday greetings to service members around the world, their families and veterans in homes and hospitals. While a holiday card might sound like a small thing, we hear every year that it means a great deal to those who are away from their homes and/or families.  Last year, the American Red Cross collected and sent an amazing 1.3 million cards around the world… and 4,000 of those cards came from …

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Giving Just A Little Bit

Ten organizations who could use help from Florissant residents.

It's that time of the year when people are in the holiday spirit of giving. With these ten volunteerism options — arranged in no particular order — you can give the great gift of time to the community without the hassle of wrangling with ribbons and wrapping paper. Christian Hospital Northeast If quality health care is your passion, Christian Hospital Northeast is always looking for volunteers. Although some positions involve a little bit of medical knowledge to set up emergency and surgery rooms, other volunteer positions in the gift shop, flower shop, information desk and mailroom ensure that you don't need medical know-how — or even a strong stomach — to help out in a hospital. Historic Florissant History buffs with big hearts need look…

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