How to help tornado victims in Tuscaloosa and across the South

For most Bleacher Report readers, the name Tuscaloosa usually means University of Alabama sports, but the news coming out of that city today is far more somber.

Mayor Walter Maddox has reported the death toll from severe storms has reached 36 in the city. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency says the death toll across the state is 162. Across six Southern states, 247 people have died, CNN reports.

It’s a well-worn cliché that sports can bring people together, but a nice real-world example is Toomer’s for Tuscaloosa, a group formed by Auburn fans to help victims of the storm in the home of their arch rival.

If you’re looking for ways to help, the group’s Facebook page is a great place to start, with dozens of posts about charities and others who are offering aid.

You can donate to Red Cross disaster relief online, by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999, which puts a $10 donation on your wireless bill, or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

The Salvation Army is also responding to the disaster. Donate online, text “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation or call 1-800-SAL-ARMY.

The thoughts of the Bleacher Report staff are with the victims of the storms across the South.