Video: A tornado about 1 mile in diameter tore through the McFarland Boulevard
area of Tuscaloosa this afternoon.

Today, at least 118 tornadoes ripped across Alabama, including ones that brought severe damage to the Birmingham outlying communities of Pleasant Grove, Fultondale, Pinson and Gardendale, to name a few.

We don’t know the extent of the damage, or the death toll beyond 49 at time of publication, including 10 dead in Jefferson County.

We do know how you can start to help.

Last updated May 22.

1. Cash donations: Donate to the Birmingham chapter of the Red Cross for the Alabama Tornado Relief fund. The donation box is shown above.

• Red Cross: Send the text message “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• Red Cross: Donate at any Regions Bank branch.
• Governor’s Tornado Relief Fund: Donate online or mail a check to Governor’s Emergency Relief Fund, Box 1523, Montgomery, AL 36102.
• Salvation Army: Send the text message “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation.
• Salvation Army: Send checks to The Salvation Army Disaster Relief, Box 100339, Atlanta, GA 30384-0339.
• Southern Baptist Convention: Donate online.
• Greater Birmingham Humane Society: Donate online.
• United Way Tornado Disaster Fund: Send the text message “TORNADO” to 50555 to make a $10 donation or donate online.
• Immediate Tornado Relief Fund: Donate online.

2. Birmingham city council member Johnathan Austin says to volunteer, call the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency at (205) 254-2039.

3. Hands on Birmingham has already set up a volunteer group for tornado assistance. Sign up now, and the nonprofit group will contact you as opportunities arise.

• Email Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival to join its Hands on Birmingham team. Include name, age, email and phone.

4. Donate to an area food bank through the Alabama Food Bank Association website. (hat tip: Birmingham Bargain Mom)

• Consider these healthier nonperishable foods when donating.

5. Conserve water through Friday, as requested by the Birmingham Water Works and Sewer Board.

6. A Toomer’s for Tuscaloosa page has started on Facebook, mirroring the Tide for Toomer’s effort started in February.

7. A $50 donation to the Red Cross at the Talladega Superspeedway gives donors the opportunity to drive their cars on the track May 6-8.

8. Amanda Carlisle at A Few Short Cuts suggests using coupons to obtain needed items for free to donate.

9. ABC 33/40 will hold an on-air telethon from 5-8 p.m. Friday.

10. Shopping …

• Several artists at this weekend’s Magic City Art Connection will donate a portion of their profits to tornado aid.
• Birmingham-based FitnessFleet is donating 100 percent of proceeds from sales of its clothes to families affected by the tornadoes.
• Bargain Carousel on Saturday and Sunday at the former Macy’s at the Riverchase Galleria in Hoover will match donations dollar for dollar up to $20,000, and donate any remaining items to agencies helping storm survivors.
• All proceeds from dine-in sales May 9-10 at California Pizza Kitchen locations at the Riverchase Galleria and the Summit will go to the Mid-Alabama American Red Cross.
• Urban Conversations has a list of special T-shirts for fund-raisers.
• Acme Gallery’s Rebuild Alabama art show [Facebook] starting May 26.
• “The Wind Will Carry the Voice of the People” digital album by various artists.
• Bake Sale 4 Relief at the two locations for Ted’s Restaurant, 328 12th St. S. and 15 20th St. S., second floor. Proceeds go to the Holy Trinity Holy Cross Alabama Tornado Relief Fund [Facebook].

11. Benefit concert at Rogue Tavern, 2312 Second Ave. N., downtown, starting at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. $10 donation requested.

12. Heroes Unified for the Alabama Tornado Relief benefit concert at Old Car Heaven, 115 35th St. S., Avondale, 2-10 p.m. Tuesday. Fund-raiser for American Red Cross. Rickey White, (205) 356-3236, rwhite@sociallylinked.com.

13. BAAM Aid! benefit concert [Facebook] at Rogue Tavern, 2312 Second Ave. N., downtown, 7 p.m.-2 a.m. May 7. Accepting cash donations, nonperishable foods, baby items (diapers, formula, toys, books).

14. Riverchase Galleria will donate the proceeds of the carousel in the food court to the Red Cross every weekend in May.

15. David Ball benefit concert at Susan Schein Automotive, 3171 Pelham Pkwy., Pelham, 12:30-2 p.m. May 14. Admission is a donation of non-perishable food items, bottled water, clothing or toiletries. Ball will autograph any CDs purchased with a portion of the proceeds going to tornado relief.

16. “Music Builds: CMT Disaster Relief Concert” will air at 8 p.m. May 12 on CMT and Alabama Public Television and stream on CMT.com, live from Nashville. Scheduled to perform are Hank Williams Jr., Alabama, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Ronnie Dunn, Sara Evans, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Trace Adkins, Little Big Town and others. All funds will go to the American Red Cross.

17. Free gospel concert at Railroad Park downtown, 6 p.m. May 16. Performers: Church Boy, Denita Gibbs, Overfloe Jazz, Curtis Glenn, Free 2 Worship, Ruben Studdard, Lady Tramaine Hawkins, Ben Tankard and Twinkie Clark of The Clark Sisters. Donations go to the American Red Cross.

18. “Blown in the Wind” Bob Dylan birthday party for Greater Birmingham Humane Society tornado pet relief at Moonlight on the Mountain, 585 Shades Crest Road, Hoover, 7:30 p.m. May 24. Admission is minimum $5 donation. Performers: Rick Carter, Heath Green, Lolly Lee, Jon Poor, Sharrif Simmons, Wilder Adkins, Justin Cross, Simone Durand, Mark Kelly, Doug Lee, Greg Gentry, George Scherer, Macey Taylor, Rock and Monty, Clay Wisner and David Nelson.

19. Bama Rising benefit concert at BJCC Arena downtown, 7:30 p.m. June 14. Alabama, Sheryl Crow, Taylor Hicks, Sara Evans and more. Tickets are $25-$1,000, with proceeds going to the Bama Rising Fund.

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Donation drop-off sites

• All Sears locations across Alabama.
• Clothes, bottled water, snacks, etc.: 9 a.m.-noon Friday, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 4600 Preserve Pkwy., Hoover. (from @mirimomma)
• Clothing, work gloves, shovels, wheelbarrows, toiletries, toilet paper, towels, garbage bags, snacks (individually wrapped): Christian Service Mission, 3600 Third Ave. S., Avondale, (205) 252-9906. (from The 35212)
• Bottled water, coffee, diapers, unopened prepacked foods (no clothes, please): Boutwell Auditorium, 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. Organizers are redirecting donors to Scott Elementary School, Cherry Avenue and U.S. 78, Pratt City.
• Bottled water: City Action Partnership office, 1704 Fifth Ave. N., downtown.
• Water, non-perishable food items, toiletries, clothing (all sizes): 8 a.m.-noon Saturday, Palmerdale United Methodist Church, 7776 Alabama 75, Pinson, (205) 681-9762.
• Clothing, non-perishable foods, bottled water: Cornerstone Christian School, 24975 Alabama 25, Columbiana. (205) 669-7777.
• Diapers: Alabama Baby and Child magazine has drop-off sites in Hoover, North Shelby County, Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, Alabaster and Homewood.
• Bottled water: Whole Foods Market, 3100 Cahaba Village Plaza, Mountain Brook.
• Water: Bruno’s, 3780 Riverchase Village, Hoover.
• Clothes, food, water, personal care items, blankets, pillows, etc.: Image Makers salon, 2518 University Blvd. Tuscaloosa, (205) 366-1986.
• Water, soap, bandages, washcloths, toothbrushes, hand towels, Ziploc 1-gallon bags, other simple supplies: Riverchase United Methodist Church, 1953 Old Montgomery Highway, Hoover, Rev. Matt Lacey, (205) 202-1879.
• Toiletries, non-perishable food items, shirts (adult sizes only), socks, diapers, water: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Church of the Highlands, Grants Mill Campus (south parking lot), 5901 Overton Road, Irondale.
• Blankets, clothing (all sizes, T-shirts, jeans, shorts, children’s), feminine products, diapers, baby food, insulin (and other urgent medications), toys (for younger children), bandages, socks, jackets, bottled water, chips, juice (individual), packaged food for distribution, fruit cups, paper towels, tissues, toilet paper: Belk Center, 2101 Bowers Park Drive, Tuscaloosa.
• Bottled water and drinks, diapers, wipes, canned goods, toiletries, other items: RealtySouth, 428 Main St., Trussville.
• Used clothing, new packages of underwear and socks, toiletry items: Kuttin’ Up Hair Salon, 107 N. Chalkville Road, (205) 661-5887.
• Bottled water, canned foods, toilet paper, baby wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste, new blankets, new pillows, all packaged foods (non-perishable), bandages, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc.:  Talladega County Revenue Department, Talladega County Courthouse. Tara LaClair, (256) 419-3670.
• Bottled water, toothbrushes, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper: Until 7 p.m. Friday. Walmart locations in Hoover, Pelham, Wildwood and Bessemer.
• Trash bags, Clorox spray, batteries (all sizes), paper towels, baby wipes, diapers (baby and adult), water (bottles and gallon jugs), work gloves, snack food (non-perishable and packaged), personal hygiene items (toothpaste, toothbrush, deodorant, etc.), instant formula, toilet paper, emergency candles, first aid items, hand sanitizer, Tupperware bins (large enough to hold found belongings), markers, basic over-the-counter medicines for adults (Tylenol, Advil, etc.), gas (for generators), oil and gas mixture (for chainsaws): Crestwood Tavern, 5500 Crestwood Blvd.
• Bottled water, non-perishable food items (easy to open), batteries, as well as cash donations: Saturday. Silvertron Cafe, 3813 ClairmontAve., Forest Park, and Mountain Brook Creamery, 2715 Cahaba Road.
• Pet supplies: leashes, litter, boxes, crates, food, treats, etc. Parkside Cafe, 4036 Fifth Ave. S., Avondale, (205) 595-0920.
• Taylor Bug’s Kids Boutique and Consignment, 1355 Hueytown Road, Hueytown.
• Water and toiletries: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Missionary Society of the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, 221 Roebuck Drive, Roebuck. Patricia Warren, (205) 914-2883.
• Nonperishable food, bottled water, cots, sleeping bags, flashlights, batteries, camping items, small camping grills and utensils, diapers, baby formula. Friday. Academy Sports, 2810 John Hawkins Pkwy., Hoover.
• Gardendale First Baptist Church, 940 Main St., South Campus.
• Hygiene products, toiletries, canned food, clothes, shoes, monetary donations. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Liberty Worship Center, 2500 35th Ave. N., North Birmingham. D. Lawson, (205) 215-0862.
• Pinson Valley Youth Association. Ballpark, 7617 Faucett Cut-Off Road, Pinson.
• Clothing, supplies: Miles College. Ashley, (205) 936-5867.
• Toiletries, non-perishable food, snacks, baby items (diapers, wipes, formula, sippy cups), batteries, flashlights: Till 9 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 2-9 p.m. Sunday. Concord Baptist Church, 11215 Shelby County 22, Calera.
• Toothbrushes, toothpaste, towels, soap, deodorant, combs, brushes, lotion, hand sanitizer, wet naps, T-shirts, socks, underwear, bras, sanitary napkins, bandages, aspirin and Tylenol, medical tape, sterile gauze, elastic wrap, antiseptic wipes, antibiotic cream, blankets, shoes, diapers, detergent, water: Mission Birmingham, 2012 Magnolia Ave., Ste. 2009, Five Points South, Southside.
• Pet supplies: dog food, cat food, cat litter, blankets, towels, horse feed, hay, newspaper, collars, leashes, bleach: Dog Days of Birmingham, 112 18th St. N., downtown, (205) 458-9364.
• Toothbrushes, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste, soap, toilet paper: McWane Science Center, 200 19th St. N., downtown. Each item is worth one free pass to the museum.
• Water, non-perishable foods, personal hygiene items, baby item, diapers, etc. Homewood fire stations. Call (205) 332-6154 for locations.
• Dog items: Igloo (or any doghouses), small bags of dog food (easier to transport), collars, leashes, other items. Birmingham Jefferson County Animal Control. Email Erin Street at e.shawstreet@gmail.com to coordinate delivery.
• First aid kit supplies: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. City Action Partnership, 1704 Fifth Ave. N., or the Frank Nelson Building, 205 20th St. N., both downtown.
• All supplies: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Frank Nelson Building, 205 20th St. N., downtown. Contact Morgan Myers at mmyers@multipointcom.com or (205) 641-4786.
• Purchase an item on this Amazon wish list for Christian Service Mission and have it shipped directly to the agency in Avondale.
• Blankets, T-shirts (adult sizes), children’s clothes, feminine products, diapers, baby food, toys (for smaller children), bandages, socks, jackets, bottled water, chips, crackers, juice boxes, packaged food for distribution, fruit cups, paper towels, tissues, toilet paper: Comedy Club Stardome,
  1818 Data Drive, Hoover, (205) 444-0008.
• “Kids’ Kits” for infants to age 18 which include a duffle bag, backpack or something to carry items; toiletries: children’s toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorant, etc.; toys: handheld games, puzzles, etc.; and treats: fruit snacks, chips, etc. 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. City of Birmingham’s Division of Youth Services, 808 18th St. N., downtown.

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Volunteer opportunities

• Tuscaloosa: call Nancy Green at (205) 561-4169.
• Tuscaloosa: Report to St. Matthias’ Episcopal Church, 2310 Skyland Blvd. E., or call (205) 553-7282.
• Elmore County: Elmore County High School, 155 N. College Ave., Eclectic.
• Birmingham Baptist Association: Call (205) 599-3245 and give your cell number.
• Fultondale Police Department: Report to the Fultondale Public Library — where the Red Cross is stationed — 1015 Walker Chapel Road.
• Salvation Army: Call (205) 328-2420.
• Brookwood: Report to Brookwood City Hall. Need chainsaws, ice, sandwich fixings and cash. Call Melissa Camp at (205) 394-1813.
• Metro Birmingham Branch NAACP: Volunteers needed at Scott Elementary School, Cherry Avenue and U.S. 78, Pratt City, starting at 7:30 a.m. each day. Call Anthony A. Johnson (205) 541-9719, Hezekiah Jackson IV (205) 516-9806, Myrna Jackson (205)923-7989 or 243-1355, Terry G. Collins (205) 901-8651.
• Medical/counseling professionals and chaplains: Volunteers needed at satellite clinic at the Pratt City resource center, open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day. Email Ryan Hankins at ryan.hankins@mpowerministries.org.
• Call 211 or visit ServeAlabama.gov.

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Volunteer events

• Saturday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Greater Birmingham Ministries, 2304 12th Ave. N., downtown: distribute food and clothing. [Facebook]
• Friday: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, Fellowship Hall D: prepare sack lunches for victims and search-and-rescue personnel; drop off bread, sandwich meat, cheese, chips, crackers, sandwich bags, paper lunch bags. Call Liz Entrekin at 991-5916 or visit website.
• Friday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Donate blood to LifeSouth at Paine Intermediate School, 7600 Gadsden Highway, Trussville.
• Saturday: 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. East Lake United Methodist Church, 7753 First Ave. S.: neighborhood cleanup.
• Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-noon. Norwood Resource Center, 501 27th St. N.: community cleanup, bring gloves, breakfast served to volunteers at 9:30. Note: This is a pre-arranged neighborhood cleanup unrelated to storm damage cleanup efforts.
• Friday-Sunday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Donate blood to Red Cross at UAB North Pavilion, at the corner of 18th Street South and 6th Avenue. Validated parking available in the Fifth Avenue lot.
• Saturday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Clean up Turkey Creek Nature Preserve, 3906 Turkey Creek Road. Meet at 8 a.m. at Starbucks, 1658  Montclair Road, Walmart shopping center, Eastwood, to travel together to preserve. Email Jonathan Kudulis at Jonathan.kudulis@gmail.com or call Krista Conlin at (205) 937-3777.
• Sunday: Little Savannah in Forest Park is organizing a food drive and cooking detail for the shelter at Boutwell Auditorium. Email co-owner Maureen Holt at maureen@littlesavannah.com.

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If you need help …

1. Those who need assistance anywhere in Alabama can call the United Way at 211.

2. Find a Red Cross shelter near you.

3. Let your friends and family know you are safe and well by registering online at the Red Cross site.

• You can also try the Facebook group Alabama Lost and Found.
• Fox 6 has a running list of missing people.

4. Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham is open as an emergency shelter for anyone who needs it. 1930 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. [map]

5. Facebook group for lost and found pets.

6. List of agencies to help businesses and workers.

7. En español: HICA helpline (866) 502-4422; La Casita: (205) 987-4771.

8. If you need help providing assistance to a child or adult with a disability — including specialized equipment such as wheelchairs or specialized services — contact Dr. Gary Edwards at United Cerebral Palsy at (205) 944-3903 or gedwards@ucpbham.com.

9. If you have diabetes-related needs, email Aimee Casey at acasey@diabetes.org.

10. Displaced agencies, businesses and families can use office space at Positive Maturity, 3918 Montclair Road, Ste. 200, Crestline Heights. Call (205) 803-3211.

11. Small business owners can contact Tyrone Silmon at Main Street Birmingham to add to the group’s needs assessment, TSilmon@MainStreetBham.org or (205) 595-0562.

12. Free emergency dental services are available from Daniel Family Dentistry in the Cahaba Heights section of Vestavia Hills. Call (205) 967-0760.

13. Those in need of subsidized housing and Section 8 housing can call the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District at (205) 521-0677 or (205) 521-0645.

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Other sites compiling information

• Legislative Barbie: Tuscaloosa Tornado Relief Efforts
• Birmingham Bargain Mom: Alabama Tornadoes: How you can help victims of yesterday’s deadly storms
• Birmingham Public Library: Resources for Tornado Victims and Ways to Help
• Alabama Possible: Tornado relief: How you can help
• Birmingham News: Alabama tornadoes: Where you can get help
• Alabama Tornado Response Wiki
• MyFoxAl: Here’s how to help, donate, and volunteer
• BirminghamMom.com: How to help with the tornado disaster relief?
• BirminghamMommy.com: Birmingham Area Tornado Relief Donations
• The 35212: Service Opportunities and Drop-off Locations in and around the35212
• Hot 107.7 FM: Neighbors Helping Neighbors
• Passionate Penny Pincher: Where To Donate Items For Tornado Victims In North Alabama
• Moniqueblog: April 27 Tornado Resource
• B-Metro: Tornado relief

• MCers: If you know of other relief efforts, fund-raisers or ways to help, please leave a comment, or email us at wade[at]magiccitypost.com. We’ll add it to this post.

Screencap from a traffic camera, showing the 1-mile-wide tornado moving eastward across
North Birmingham, as seen from the Red Mountain Expressway facing north.

A viewer submitted this photo to a TV station showing the post-tornado damage
in Gardendale.

Slideshow: ABC 33/40 viewers’ photos of tornado and storm damage.

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