How to help tornado victims with donations and other aids

The massive devastation left behind by this spring's tornadoes in Alabama and Missouri and numerous other states will take weeks, if not months, to clean.  Rebuilding will take years and millions of dollars, and that's just to replace material things like businesses and homes.

Here are several ways you can help meet immediate and long-term needs for tornado victims:

The American Red Cross is providing temporary shelter for the thousands of people who lost their homes in the tornadoes.  They're also providing food, blood, emergency-response vehicles and other relief supplies.  You can make a cash gift online or by visiting your local Red Cross office, and you can text message REDCROSS to 90999 to give a $10 donation via your mobile phone.

The Salvation Army is setting up mobile stations to feed thousands of people in storm-affected areas.  You can give online at your local Salvation Army store.  You can text message GIVE to 80888 to donate money via your mobile phone.

The United Methodist Committee of Relief is providing cleanup/rebuilding supplies and volunteer help.  You can give to their efforts online .

Connect with Joplin-specific relief efforts via this updated list at our partner site NBCActionNews.com .

The one thing NOT to do

Do not travel to a storm-ravaged community unless you have the means to provide entirely for yourself (food and shelter), and even then realize that local authorities may not be able to accommodate you.   It's best to travel with an organization that's made arrangements with local authorities to participate in relief operations.