AARP Foundation Surpasses $600,000 in Donations for Victims of Oklahoma Tornadoes

WASHINGTON, June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Shortly after announcing it established the AARP Foundation Oklahoma Tornado Relief Fund [www.aarp.org/disasterrelief] to support victims affected by the recent "monster" tornadoes in Oklahoma, donations to the AARP Foundation Oklahoma Tornado Relief Fund reached the initial dollar-for-dollar matching commitment of $500,000. AARP and AARP Foundation have now increased matching funds from $250,000 to $300,000 –assuring more than $600,000 in aid.

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The matching program is being administered through AARP Foundation and funds are being given to organizations providing relief and recovery support to disaster victims.

"We are amazed and extremely pleased with the kindness of so many people throughout the country who stepped in quickly to help those in need," said Jo Ann Jenkins, AARP Foundation President.  "People certainly want to do what they can to help and they are proving that through their generous donations. As Oklahomans work to recover from the impact of the initial tornadoes and subsequent storms, we are working diligently to provide funds to organizations providing relief and recovery to disaster victims in the state."

Those who choose to give to the AARP Foundation Oklahoma Relief Fund to help the victims of the Oklahoma tornadoes can do so through AARP Foundation's secure web site where 100 percent of their tax-deductible donations will be used to help the victims of this disaster.

In the communities most severely affected, many older Oklahomans, including AARP members, their families and neighbors, are struggling to recover from the twisters' impact and subsequent storms that added to the devastation.  The initial and most destructive tornadoes that hit Oklahoma May 20, carved a 20-mile path, destroying entire neighborhoods and claiming numerous lives.  Less than two weeks later, additional storms hit the Oklahoma area, claiming more lives and increasing the loss of homes, businesses and schools – a devastating impact that will be felt in Oklahoma communities for years to come.

AARP Foundation will draw upon the resources of the AARP Oklahoma office and staff to engage in continued efforts to help locate local community organizations that can aid victims of the tornadoes. AARP Foundation encourages continued giving to help the storms' victims in Oklahoma. To donate to the AARP Foundation Oklahoma Tornado Relief Fund today, please go to: www.aarp.org/disasterrelief. 

About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people, strengthen communities, work more efficiently and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.   

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Espanol, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity of AARP that is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

SOURCE AARP