MAYFIELD, KY — As searchers, rescuers and first responders continue to comb the rubble caused by the deadly, multi-state tornado outbreak Friday night, help for the victims is desparately needed.
Along with uncounted numbers of local individuals and groups, the Red Cross is taking the lead to make sure everyone has a safe place to stay, emotional support and comfort in the face of one of the most devastating tornado outbreaks in years, according to a news release.
Donate blood
Those in areas unaffected by this tornado outbreak are urged to make an appointment today to give blood in the days and weeks ahead to help ensure blood products are available for patients wherever the need arises.
In response to hospital requests, the Red Cross has provided approximately 200 additional blood products for patients in the impacted areas and stands ready to provide more blood products as needed.
Blood drives in the Fox Valley are coming up in the next month in DePere, Wrightstown and Kimberly. SEE MORE
Donate money
To make a financial donation or schedule an appointment to give blood or platelets, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS. You can also use the Red Cross Blood Donor app or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 gift today.
Remember to note that the donation is for the “Southern and Midwest Tornadoes” fund.
The latest
Although the number of fatalities at the Mayfield, Kentucky candle factory that was leveled in the tornado is lower than first feared, a company spokesperson on Sunday confirmed that eight factory workers are dead and eight are missing.
In all, at least 74 people have died in Kentucky alone, officials said Monday.
Amazon owner Jeff Bezos is coming under fire for his lackluster resonse to the tornado that killed six of his employees at an Amazon distribution center in Edwardsville, Illinois.
At the same time that Bezos was celebrating the latest launch of his latest space tourism rocket, rescuers were combing through the rubble of the collapsed warehouse searching for bodies.
The tornado hit Edwardsville about 8;30 p.m. Friday, but it wasn’t until more than 24 hours later that Bezo’s issued a statement on Twitter.
“We’re heartbroken over the loss of our teammates there, and our thoughts and prayers are with their families and loved ones,” he wrote. “All of Edwardsville should know that the Amazon team is committed to supporting them and will be by their side through this crisis.”
But earlier in the day, as officials on the ground in Edwardsville were responding to the disaster, Bezos posted to Instagram cheering on the latest group of space tourists, including former NFL champion Michael Strahan, along with several paying customers.
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