Tornado Relief

The Salvation Army partners with local and federal authorities, along with local organizations, to provide immediate emergency relief to survivors of tornadoes. Our teams go directly to the areas where tornado survivors are in need of necessities such as food, water, and basic comforts. We then also provide clean-up kits, blankets, shelter, and financial assistance to those that need supplies. If needed, we will also convert our buildings into emergency shelters.

Tornadoes have the power to wipe out entire communities, leaving thousands of people with no home and a long road to recovery. We are committed to providing crucial assistance to the affected areas every day until the town is back up on its feet, even if it takes months or years. In the aftermath of a tornado, and as long as we’re needed, we will not only meet the basic needs of the affected communities, but also work with municipalities and private companies on restoration and rebuilding projects, dispersing financial assistance, and donating goods to help survivors during the rebuilding process after a tornado.

Tornadoes can cause severe emotional stress and trauma to those who go through them. We are there to provide trained, professional emotional and spiritual care to those grappling with trauma from a tornado. We’re prepared to offer a hug, a prayer, a listening ear, or even counseling to aid in the recovery process. No matter what’s needed, The Salvation Army is ready to help.

Charitable donations help us to show communities love beyond disaster. When you donate to The Salvation Army’s emergency disaster response efforts, 100% of the proceeds go to our disaster relief operations and financial assistance for those affected. You can also donate gift cards for gas, groceries, or big-box stores which will be given to survivors of tornadoes. 

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Basic needs items are always a necessity for disaster survivors. Our locations may need different goods donations depending on the circumstance, but the most often needed for tornado survivors include: 

• Bandanas, work gloves, and other protective clothing items
• Bottled water and other packaged drinks
• Boxes, barrels, and heavy-duty plastic bags (for survivors to collect their possessions)
• Cleaning items such as rags, mops, brooms, and scrub brushes
• Device chargers First aid kits
• Flashlights and batteries
• Gently used or new work boots or rain boots
• Hygiene items including soap, detergent, disinfectant, garbage bags, and hand sanitizer
• Infant care items such as formula, diapers, and rash cream
• Linens such as bedding and pillows
• New undergarments such as underwear or socks
• Nonperishable, packaged food items and snacks
• PPE, including dust masks
• Protective equipment such as work gloves, boots, helmets, and masks
• Rebuilding supplies, including plastic tarps, nails, plywood, and hand tools
• Safety equipment, including dust masks and first aid kits
• Snacks Supplies for cleaning and rebuilding projects, including helmets, gloves, and tools
• Toys and books to entertain children
• Utility tools such as plastic buckets, shovels, and rakes

Please contact your local Salvation Army incident management team before collecting or trying donate these items. The local emergency disaster services team will need to establish reception and distribution plans before these items can be collected or distributed to people in need, and a surprise in-kind donation, though well-meaning, can become an increased challenge for disaster teams and personnel.

Becoming a volunteer is an important way to give back to communities affected by a disaster, and it is also imperative to our mission of caring for others. We rely on volunteers to help with an array of efforts, including distributing food and water, helping transport goods to our centers, or even just providing a helping hand or a shoulder to cry on for tornado survivors.  

Contact your local Salvation Army today to help survivors impacted by tornadoes.