Tulsans Donate To Red Cross For Tornado Victims

NewsOn6.com

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Hundreds of people are in need following deadly tornadoes in Oklahoma and Missouri.

Early Thursday, May 26, 2011, Cox radio stations in Tulsa, teamed up to raise money for Tulsa chapter of The American Red Cross.

Volunteers thanked drivers who dropped off cash and checks in little black buckets at 71st and Yale.

Motorists told News On 6 they understand some of the challenges ahead for storm victims.

"Making payments on your house, you know buying groceries, even car payments," said Frankie Maloney.

"We've got to help; we just have to help, all of us. We're all a heartbeat away from that happening to us," said Marilyn Hartman.

"And when you see that happen in your backyard, or you see it happen in Joplin just an hour away, boy you want to do something. And we've seen that right and left wanting to give cash, wanting to give blood," said Michael Guerra with the American Red Cross.

Red Cross says $25,000 was raised Thursday morning. That includes a match from Regent Bank in Tulsa.

ConocoPhillips, which has operations in Ponca City and Bartlesville , announced Thursday morning it will contribute $500,000 to the American Red Cross to assist in disaster relief efforts arising from the recent tornado in Joplin, Missouri.

The company has also offered to match donations made by its U.S. employees.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to those who have lost friends and loved ones in Joplin," said Jim Mulva, chairman and chief executive officer. "We hope this contribution will help fill some of the needs of those most affected so they can start to rebuild their lives and return their community to the vitality it once had."

To help storm victims with cash or blood you can call American Red Cross in Tulsa at 918-831-1170.

5/25/2011 Related Story: Companies Collecting Cash For Red Cross At Tulsa Intersection Thursday