Greg Abbott

How to Help Tornado Victims

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and county leaders in East Texas stressed on Sunday that the best way to help the tornado victims is through monetary donations.

Governor Greg Abbott talks about making monetary donations to the tornado victims in East Texas.

Those who wish to make donations to the recovery effort can do so in a number of ways.

Donations are being accepted at area Kroger on behalf of The American Red Cross or The Salvation Army.

Kroger for The American Red Cross

NBC 5 and Kroger are asking our community to help with the relief effort for the damage caused by the recent tornadoes that touched down in Canton and other parts of Van Zandt, Henderson and Rains counties.

Visit your neighborhood Kroger and make a monetary donation to the American Red Cross at Kroger's check stands.

One hundred percent of the check stand donations will be donated to American Red Cross Disaster Relief, which will support disasters big and small from spring storms.

The American Red Cross is working around the clock to help those in need by providing food, shelter and emotional support for the people whose lives have been disrupted. For more information on the relief efforts, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The American Red Cross

To make a one time $10 donation to The American Red Cross, you can text REDCROSS to 90999. That money will go to the disaster relief fund which helps people affected by all types of disasters, including tornadoes.

The American Red Cross is also planning to accept donated items like water, food, clean up supplies and tarps. However they are asking for patience as they work to set up drop-off locations and identify exactly what is needed.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is also currently working in the impacted areas.

You can donate to The Salvation Army by visiting The Salvation Army's Website or calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY. When donating to the Salvation Army, you can specify that your donation go to the tornado relief fund in Canton.

Monday, the Salvation Army was expected to establish food trucks at Canton High School and the car dealership at Interstate 20 and Farm-to-Market Road 17.

Sunday, the Salvation Army delivered 10 pallets of household clean up kits to strategic points in Canton, according to an organization spokesperson.

Tornado Relief Fund

Canton city officials said monetary donations can be directed to the "Van Zandt County Tornado Relief Fund" at the First State Bank of Ben Wheeler. Officials said clothes or water donations were not needed.

Anyone wishing to volunteer should report to the Van Zandt County Fairgrounds, at 24780 Texas 64 in Canton.

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