The damage caused by a massive tornado that tore through Oklahoma on Monday left Ann Arbor resident Tia Hoffman with one thought — "How do I help?"
A woman carries a child through a field near the collapsed Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Okla., Monday, May 20, 2013.
Sue Ogrocki | The Associated Press
"All I could think about was if I was one of the parents involved, and it just broke my heart," Hoffman said. "I'm a parent and I could only think of myself in that situation — if my kids were in that school — and wondering whether I would be able to bring them home and hug them."
Buying a coffee from Hoffman's shop is just one way Ann Arbor residents can pitch in to help.
In addition to the national-level relief being facilitated by The American Red Cross — which included immediately deploying almost 30 emergency response vehicles to distribute food and supplies, according to a news release — there are local-level ways to contribute to the fund as well.
The Washtenaw-Lenawee Chapter always is accepting donations for disaster relief. Those wanting to make a donation can do so on the Red Cross website, by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word "REDCROSS" to 90999 to make a donation of $10. Donations go toward providing food, shelter and support to victims.
The Red Cross also is providing Oklahoma residents with their Safe & Well service, which allows victims to contact loved ones outside of the location to let them know they are safe.
Blood donations also are always in high demand following a tragedy of this magnitude.
"It's our obligation to help our neighbors," Hoffman said. "Whether they're in Oklahoma City or Ann Arbor."
To let us know about other local efforts to raise money, supplies or support for the victims in Oklahoma, please leave tips in the comments below, or email news@annarbor.com.