If you’d like to help victims of last weekend’s tornadoes, the American Red Cross is accepting donations.

Jane Blocher, executive director of the Douglas County chapter, emphasizes that money is the best answer — not “stuff.” She said donations other than money actually impede disaster relief efforts.

Blocher says this is how to help:

• Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. A charge will appear on your cell phone bill the following month.
• Make an online donation at www.redcross.org
• Call the local office with credit card donations. The number is 843-3550.
• Mail checks to the local office earmarked Joplin Tornado or Reading Tornado. The address is 2518 Ridge Court.

Trained Red Cross volunteers from Douglas County are on standby for deployment to Reading and Joplin, Mo., Blocher said.