Oklahoma tornadoes: Relief agencies helping victims

Salvation Army volunteers from Ardmore and McAlester are providing meals to emergency responders and assessing how to help victims, Salvation Army spokeswoman Heide Brandes said.

The Tulsa regional office of the American Red Cross is providing meals at the Red Cross shelter at First Baptist Church in Atoka, spokeswoman Donita Quesnel said. Twelve people spent Thursday night at the shelter, Quesnel said.

“The tornado did cut quite a path,” Quesnel said. “The (Tushka) school is leveled, and seeing it gives you a sense of the force and power of the storm.” People staying at the shelter “are just very positive, and they are glad to be alive,” she said.

The Red Cross is distributing items to assist Tushka residents with cleanup efforts. Items are offered free at the Tushka Fire Department, 101 SE First St., and includes water, shovels, rakes, trash cans, trash bags, gloves, tarps and brooms.

The Red Cross has three emergency vehicles conducting mobile feeding in neighborhoods, providing meals, water and snacks to residents and workers.