Where to Give to Support People Impacted by Tornadoes

A powerful tornado cut a devastating path through Mississippi and northern Alabama on Saturday, March 25, 2023, killing at least 25 people and injuring dozens more. Early estimates indicate as many as 2,000 structures have been destroyed or received major damage. 

The following weekend, more than 50 tornadoes were reported across several states in the South and Midwest. On Wednesday, April 5, a tornado in southeast Missouri caused significant damage to homes and roadways and killed at least five people.

Below is a list of organizations which have set up funds to support the people and families impacted by the tornado. We will continue to add to this list as we verify more organizations. 

• American Red Cross  
  • 140 volunteers are already on the ground in parts of Mississippi and Alabama, with more from Missouri on the way. Disaster workers and volunteers will provide relief supplies, first aid, meals, and family support services. Volunteers are also present across Arkansas and Missouri.
  • We encourage donations to our local American Red Cross, St. Louis Chapter, which is actively responding.
  • Text MSTORNADOES to 51555 to donate by text. 
  • Click here to learn more about the American Red Cross’ efforts in the south and midwest following tornadoes and storms.

• Global Empowerment Mission 
  • Distribution of food, hygiene, health supplies, cash cards, animal survival kids, water, and other necessities. 
• Feeding America
  • Feeding America network is helping survivors by providing support, food and supplies. They are raising funds for those across the six states that were impacted by the storms and tornadoes.

• Mercy Chefs 
  • Mercy Chefs is an international relief agency that provides hot meals to disaster victims. Mercy Chefs has now deployed to Arkansas, while still serving at the primary feeder for tornado-devastated communities in Mississippi. 

• Mississippi Center for Legal Services 
  • Mississippi Center for Legal Services provides “free civil legal assistance with the most pressing legal needs of low-income Mississippians.” After disasters, legal services may be needed for help with insurance claims. 
• Missouri Department of Public Safety State Emergency Management Agency
  • • SEMA provides suggestions on how to volunteer or donate to help with Missouri disaster relief, including 211 Missouri, which can be reached by dialing 211.

• Operation BBQ Relief 
  • Operation BBQ Relief has been on the ground in Mississippi since Saturday, March 25, offering hundreds of hot meals. On April 3, OBR teams mobilized to Wynne, AR and Covington, TN to serve Hot BBQ meals. 

• Salvation Army 
  • The Salvation Army provides food, drinks, shelter, emotional and spiritual care, and other emergency services to disaster survivors. 
• Samaritan’s Purse
  • Samaritan’s Purse has deployed staff members and tractor trailers filled with supplies and equipment to Little Rock, AR.

• Save the Children 
  • In coordination with state and local partners, Save the Children staff are preparing to deliver essential, child-focused items to kids and families who need them most in western Mississippi – such as water, food, hygiene kits, diapers and more. 

• Team Rubicon 
  • Armed with heavy equipment and chainsaws, volunteers are clearing roads for residents and first responders. The group will also clear trees, tarp roofs, and muck out debris inside homes. 

• United Way of Southeast Louisiana
  • The Mississippi Tornado Relief Fund will support immediate relief efforts and long-term rebuilding in affected communities. 

Give Today

Donors who have a fund at the St. Louis Community Foundation can make a grant recommendation via Fund Central or by contacting their relationship manager.

Last updated April 7, 2023.