A Goodwill donation station is surrounded by debris after a powerful tornado ripped through the area on May 20, 2013 in Moore, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images)

A Goodwill donation station is surrounded by debris after a powerful tornado ripped through the area on May 20, 2013 in Moore, Okla. (Photo by Getty Images/Brett Deering)

In the wake of the devastating tornado that ripped through Moore, Okla. yesterday, killing at least 24 people, many Washingtonians are likely asking what they can do to help.

D.C. Mayor Vince Gray said in a press release “the District of Columbia stands ready to help in any way we can in response to this disaster.”

“District residents who want to help should donate to reputable disaster-relief organizations, such as the American Red Cross, which are now mobilizing teams to assist both residents and first responders in the Oklahoma City area,” Gray said.

Indeed, one of the most simple ways to help is texting 90999 to REDCROSS to donate $10.

The same can be done for the Salvation Army by texting STORM to 80888.

At a press conference Tuesday, President Obama pledged support to the people of Moore: “Our prayers are with the people of Oklahoma today, and we will back up those prayers with deeds.”

Perhaps one of the most heartbreaking aspects of the tornado was the complete destruction of two elementary schools. Seven children were found dead in the now flattened Plaza Towers Elementary School.

DonorsChoose.org, which has a four star rating on Charity Navigator, is collecting donations to be sent to the teachers of Moore “for everything from furniture to food to therapy resources.”

This post will be updated as more donation opportunities become available.

Update: The Oklahoma State Society will hold a fundraiser at Union Pub on Thursday. All proceeds go to the Red Cross.

Second update: At Sprinkles on Wednesday, 100 percent of the proceeds from the store’s Red Velvet cupcakes will go to the Red Cross.

Third update: Frager’s Hardware in Capitol Hill will donate five percent of the net cash and credit card sales done from Saturday to Monday to the Red Cross Oklahoma Tornado Relief effort.

Filed Under: oklahoma!, red cross, tornado,