Something More Important than Baseball

Last night, a catastrophic EF5 tornado nearly leveled the entire town of Joplin, Missouri. This comes just weeks after another EF5 tornado caused terrible damage to Tuscaloosa, Alabama. So far, almost 500 people have died in tornadoes in the United States this year, and we’re just at the very beginning of tornado season.

People in these communities need help from all of us around the country. Rockies Nation is no exception.

To help these people in need, there are many things that you can do.

The American Red Cross is accepting donations at RedCross.org. You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to the relief effort. You can also call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) to donate money or set up a blood donation, which is also in high demand. Finally, you can also mail in donations to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 4002018, Des Moines, IA 50340-2018.

The Salvation Army is also accepting donations at SalvationArmyUSA.org. Their phone number is 1-800-SAL-ARMY (1-800-725-2769), and be sure to designate April 2011 Tornado Outbreak. The Salvation Army has also set up a text line, and by texting GIVE to 80888, you can make a $10 donation. By mail, their address is the Salvation Army Disaster Relief, P.O. Box 100339, Atlanta, GA 30384-0339.

Alabama and Mississippi have also set up volunteer opportunities through their respective Governor’s offices. The Corporation for National and Community Service also is coordinating relief efforts in the south.