2012 tornado disaster relief: how to help

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The tornadoes that ripped through the Midwest and the South killed 13 people on Wednesday, and left several communities in need of cleanup volunteers, food, clothing, and monetary contributions. If you’re interested in helping the relief efforts, contact the following organizations to learn more.

The Southern Illinois Community Foundation has established a Harrisburg Disaster Relief Fund. For more information contact 618-997-3700 or visit www.sicf.org.

The Red Cross has set up a donation page for people affected by disasters. Visit their disaster relief donation website to contribute. Or to donate by phone, call 1-800 RED CROSS. You can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to donate $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.

And if you’d like to volunteer your time at a local Red Cross unit, visit this page to search for volunteer opportunities.

The Salvation Army has set up disaster canteens in various locations near the tornado damage. Donate by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or visiting their website.

Team Rubicon, an organization that deploys military veterans into crisis situations, sent three Veteran Emergency Response Teams to Harveyville, Kan., Brandon, Mo., and Harrisburg, Ill. Click here to learn how to contribute.

Find out about the latest volunteer opportunities in Harveyville, Kan. by visiting the United Way of the Plains website.

Volunteer Branson has an active Facebook page and website for people interested in helping with storm cleanup in Missouri.

The United Mine Workers of America Local 5929 is operating a food pantry for tornado victims in the Southeastern Illinois College Foundation Building at 540 N Commercial St., Suite 101 in Harrisburg, Ill. They're seeking donations of non-perishable food items such as canned goods, crackers, snacks, or drinks. The pantry will accept donations Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. You can also call 618-252-8500.