Federal and local elected officials tour Twin Cities tornado damage

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Keith Ellison toured parts of North Minneapolis and Fridley on Monday following a tornado that ripped through the area leaving two dead and two dozen injured. Minnesota’s elected officials have offered their support in the wake of the disaster, and community organizations have outlined ways that Minnesotans can help those affected.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the people and communities in Minneapolis, Fridley and St. Louis Park affected by tornadoes that struck on Sunday,” said Ellison, whose district office is in north Minneapolis. “I grieve for the loss of life and the broad scale destruction left in the wake of this disaster.”

Rep. Betty McCollum, who represents the district bordering Minneapolis, said, “My thoughts and prayers are with residents of Minneapolis and neighboring communities who have been impacted by Sunday’s deadly tornado and severe thunderstorms. When families experience tragedy, all Minnesotans come together to help. My office stands ready to help as needed.”

Sen. Al Franken offered his help as well. “My staff is on the ground in the area and I’ve contacted Mayor R.T. Rybak about the damage,” he said. “I assured the mayor that I stand ready to do everything I can to help as the extent of the storm damage is assessed and we move into the recovery stage.”

Relief workers have set up a Google Page with continually updated information for those affected and for those who wish to help.

Here are some examples of ways to help:

• American Red Cross www.redcrossmn.org text redcross.

• Salvation Army. Financial donations can be made online at www.thesalarmy.org or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or mailing a check to The Salvation Army 2445 Prior AVE, Roseville MN 55113. In addition at $10 donation can be made by texting “blessing” to 85944, the charge will be added to your cell phone bill. Make sure to reply “yes” to confirm your donation.
• .Minneapolis Foundation: The Minneapolis Foundation has established the Minnesota Helps – North Minneapolis Recovery Fund to assist with both short-term and long-term housing and recovery-related needs on the North Side. To make a donation by credit card, visit giveMn or send checks for the recovery effort to The Minneapolis Foundation, 80 S. 8th St., Suite 800, Minneapolis, MN, 55402.
• Urban Homeworks People can also donate monetarily via the Urban Homeworks website and designate it for “tornado relief”

• Salvation Army. Non-perishable food, hygiene items and diapers will be accepted at 2024 Lyndale Ave N. Minneapolis, MN. Used clothing and furniture donations are being accepted at the Salvation Army Donation Center at 900 N 4th ST in Minneapolis or at other Salvation Army thrift stores. Large quantity donations should first call 651-746-3400 as storage at 2024 Lyndale is limited
• FM 89.9 KMOJ. 89.9 KMOJ Radio, in partnership with The Ackerberg Group and Catlyst Community Partners, will be opening up the Lower Level of our On-Air Studios in the 5 Points Building at the Intersection of W. Broadway Ave and Penn Ave. N. and accepting donations of non-perishable food items, clothing, bottled water, and any other items that you may be able to contribute. 612-377-3456 for more info.
• The Prayer Center. 21 1/2 West Broadway Minneapolis, MN 55411. Contact Jariland Spence. 612-522-3015 theprayercentermn@gmail.com
• Wilsons image barbers 1109 W. Broadway Minneapolis, MN. Special relief drop off event on Tuesday May 24th at 6pm. Contact: Sean @ (612) 558-5588 and visit the Facebook event page.

• ( NOTE: AS OF 1PM Monday May 23rd, Urban Homeworks does not need any more volunteers for the day. Please continue to check their website at www.urbanhomeworks.org for updated info. Thank you ) Urban Homeworks: Volunteering: Check in at 1823 Emerson Ave N (Cross Connections building) all day. Check back for updated check-in locations. Parking: Ascension Church on18th Ave N & Bryant. Also, you can park up & down Bryant Ave, police have waived parking restrictions. ( NOTE: Parking is a problem so preferred transport is to either car pool or bike. Urban homeworks have mentioned that they may set up shuttle service. More info and updates will be on their Facebook page.