West Virginia mining disaster: Ways to help the victims' families

[Omaha Steve]

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/kindness/post/2010/04/west-virginia-mining-disaster-ways-to-help-the-victims-families-/1

Apr 06, 2010

President Obama sent his "deepest condolences" to the families of the 25 mine workers who died in yesterday's West Virginia mine explosion, one of the worst mining accidents in the U.S. in 25 years. Four miners are still missing.

At this morning's Easter prayer breakfast, the president also pledged the government's support for the families of victims, whose identities are just starting to be known, and asked the audience to pray for "those who have been lost in this tragic accident" and said he hopes their families can "find comfort in the hard days ahead."

The rescue effort continues for the missing miners. West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin says that he's hoping for a miracle that they will be found alive.

For the families of the victims, here's an initial list of ways you can help:

The American Red Cross is providing mental health and emergency response services. And although the organization is not accepting donations specifically for the West Virginia mine disaster at this time, you can still donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund here.

The Salvation Army is supplying food and water to the victims' families and to the 150+ rescue workers. You can make a targeted donation to the Salvation Army for a specific area. If you live nearby, you can make an in-kind donation through the e-mail address provided on this page.

Readers: If you are aware of any other ways to help the families of the mining disaster victims, please leave a comment below. We will be updating this page.