The Red Cross Responds to Help Springfield Tornado Victims‎

Wednesday's tornadoes across Springfield and 19 other communities have caused extensive damage, at least 200 injuries and killed 4 people.

Over 300 people have sought shelter relief. Many residents have lost their homes and buildings and churches have been damaged and cars are turned upside down.

The weather in central Massachusetts, including two damaging tornadoes in the Springfield area, forced Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick to issue a State of Emergency Wednesday. Patrick has mobilized up to 1,000 members of the National Guard to help in search and rescue and debris cleanup.

The Pioneer Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, which provides response services to people in Central and Western Massachusetts, is accepting donations to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donations help people affected by the storms that hit the Springfield area, along with other disasters that happen at home and aboard.

The Red Cross is accepting monetary donations which enables them to provide provide shelter, food, and emotional support in response to disasters.

Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Contributions may also be sent to the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter at 506 Cottage St., Springfield, MA 01104 or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.