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Mississippi tornadoes: Here is how you can help the victims

A storm system that spawned tornados with gusts of more than 166 mph flattened homes and businesses and killed at least 25 people in Mississippi Friday.

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If you want to help the people affected by those storms, there are several ways to do so. Here are some suggestions:

According to the Clarion-Ledger, donations of everyday basics, non-perishable food, water, etc. are being accepted at a number of locations.

Some of the immediate needs include:

· Bottled water

· Canned goods

· Paper products

· Pet food

· Diapers and wipes

· Manual can openers

· Baby formula

· Personal hygiene items

· Pet carriers

· Laundry detergent

· Cleaning supplies

If you are in the area and can help, the Mississippi Department of Public Safety along with the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency and the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce is accepting donations of bottled water, canned goods, and paper products for the victims of the storms at the Armory at the Mississippi State Fairgrounds in Jackson on Monday and Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. each day.

Other ways to help:

GoFundMe: There are 144 listings under “Mississippi tornado” help on the fundraising site GoFundMe. Here are a few:

Other organizations collecting funds and supplies:

  • The Mississippi Commission for Volunteer Service is sharing updates on local donation centers on its Facebook page.
  • The American Red Cross: You can donate specifically to help those affected by Friday’s tornadoes here or by texting the word TORNADO to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
  • The Federal Emergency Management Agency
  • The United Way
  • United Way of West Central Mississippi is collecting donations of water at their office in Vicksburg, about an hour outside of Rolling Fork. Check their Facebook page for updates on the location and timing. They are also accepting monetary donations on their chapter website, and ask you to specify “Rolling Fork” in the notes field to route your donations correctly.

If you want to make sure the organization you are considering sending money to is trustworthy, you can research them on Charity Navigator and Charity Watch.

If you are interested in volunteering, you can check with the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster. The website maintains a list of member groups that go to help after disasters.