How you can help flood victims

Heartfelt thoughts go out to the victims of this flood and to friends in Iowa and across the Midwest.

As cities and hospitals evacuate in the devastating floods and tornadoes that have crossed seven states in the Midwest, the American Red Cross has issued a national appeal for disaster relief funds. It anticipates needing tens of millions of dollars to help victims with emergency food, water and shelter, as well as vast amounts of clean-up supplies. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

To learn how you can help and to make donations:

The American Red Cross honors donor intent, so you can designate your donation to a specific disaster if you wish.

Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

The Red Cross encourages those affected to register their status on the Safe and Well Web site on www.redcross.org so loved ones can know they are safe.

You can also visit http://redcrossmidwestflooding.wordpress.com/maps/ to view an interactive map for the current Red Cross response.

The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Program for the Cedar Rapids community is also accepting donations earmarked for flood relief at:

The Salvation Army at P.O. Box 8056, Cedar Rapids, 52406.

Donations can also be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.