How to Help Victims of the Oklahoma Tornado

Donating money to organizations that help victims is quick and easy.

Americans across the country are reacting with shock to the devastation caused by a 2-mile wide Tornado in Oklahoma. Dozens have died, and President Obama has declared the path of the tornado a major disaster area. If you would like to help, you can do so from your computer or mobile device right now. Patch will be posting stories of locals who are working to help victims from afar. If you know of someone local was affected by the tornado or who is working to help the victims, email Editor Mark Ouellette at mark.ouellete@patch.com.

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Red Cross Offers Tips for Preventing Flu in Kids

Hand washing is one of the ways to keep kids healthy.

[Editor's note: The following information is from the American Red Cross.] Health officials are reporting widespread influenza outbreaks in 47 of 50 states, up from just a week ago. One age group hit particularly hard is children, and the American Red Cross has some steps parents can teach their kids to help them avoid getting sick. Washing Hands Kids have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses. Parents should teach children proper hand washing techniques and how to correctly cover coughs or sneezes. Wash hands withsoap and warm water. When using soap and water: If using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer: Safety Steps The most important thing parents can do is get children six months of age or oldera flu vaccine as recommended by the …

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Superstorm Sandy Relief: How You Can Help

Here's how Boston-area donations can aid victims in the most severely damaged areas.

The Boston area was hit hard by Hurricane Sandy. But not as hard as elsewhere. Residents in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and other coastal areas were not as lucky. Patch has gathered some local resources for those who want to help in relief efforts. New Jersey Volunteers in New Jersey are being coordinated through an emergency response hotline, 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397). Alternate numbers, for when the hotline isn’t staffed, include 609-775-5236 and 908-303-0471. Emails can be sent to Rowena.Madden@sos.state.nj.us. New York City The New York City agency NYC Service is coordinating volunteers for various relief projects in New York City. Go to its Facebook page or email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name and email address…

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Patch Facts

Five Things You Need To Know Today, October 25

There will be a blood drive at the Parish of the Epiphany today.

Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section. Today is Tuesday, Oct. 25. Here are five things you need to know: To find out what is going on today in Winchester, check out our events listings.

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Patch Facts

Five Things You Need To Know Today, August 16

There will be a blood drive today in Winchester.

Five Things You Need to Know Today" is a Patch column that provides readers with essential, daily information at a glance. Check back later for more and let us know what you think of the feature in the comments section. Today is Tuesday, August 16. Here are five things you need to know: To find out what is going on today in Winchester, check out our events listings.

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VIDEO: American Red Cross Holds Blood Drive in Winchester

The Red Cross hosts blood drives at Winchester Hospital and needs help dealing with a blood shortage.

The Red Cross has teamed up with Winchester Hospital to host blood drives where volunteers can donate blood. According to WBUR, blood donations in May and June were at the lowest level the Red Cross has seen in over a decade.  "So essentially, earlier this month, the American Red Cross issued an appeal for blood donors of all types due to a critical blood shortage across our nation and that was actually on July 11," explains Jecoliah Ellis, the Red Cross Director of Communications. "So, while demand for blood products remained steady, donations were at the lowest level the Red Cross has seen during this time frame in over a dozen years. "The Red Cross needs blood donors now more than ever", continues Ellis.  Ellis also explains that about …

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