After Oklahoma Tornado, charities see influx of aid

OKLAHOMA CITY, charity relief to residents of neighborhoods devastated by tornado in Oklahoma City and Moore are watching an infusion of donations from across the country as Americans open their pocketbooks to help the people in the State before.

Several of these charities will also probably see a boost to give Wednesday when several stars of country music with Oklahoma ties take to the stage at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in the center of Oklahoma City for a Telethon, "in the heart: charity concert for relief." The artists are scheduled to include native of Oklahoma Blake Shelton and his wife of the winner of the Grammy Award, Miranda Lambert, as well as natives of Oklahoma Vince Gill and Reba McEntire. Also set to perform are Usher, Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts.

The money raised through the Telethon will go directly to United Way of Central Oklahoma, which will distribute funds to partner agencies directly involved in helping the efforts of recovery and relief for those affected by the tornado on May 20, said Karla Bradshaw, spokeswoman for United Way of Central Oklahoma.

"Are those who are now dealing with the immediate needs," said Bradshaw.

Donations have poured to Oklahoma from two large tornadoes ripped through the State last week, killing 26 people and affecting nearly 4,000 homes, businesses and buildings in five boroughs. Twenty-four people, including 10 children, were killed on May 20 tornado that hit the suburb of Oklahoma City's Moore.

The Salvation Army reported on Tuesday afternoon that has already raised more than $5 million in cash contributions, as well as donations of food in kind of numerous corporations.

A spokesman for the army of salvation in Moore said giving money that way people can help better.

"At this time our greatest need should be flexible, and is the best way people can help with monetary donations," said Salvation Army spokeswoman Jennifer Dodd. "We spend that money locally to help boost the local economy... and it allows you to pass on what we need."

Dodd said that many people have clothing drives to help benefit local residents, but that can pose problems for charities and other groups that do not have the space to store the items.

"Only a hundred pounds of clothes around the country sending logistics, is terribly expensive and then you have to worry about if you have room on the floor," said Dodd. "Now, we have that use our space and warehouse distribution network for is food and hydration and things as well".

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