A massive explosion at a fertilizer plant Wednesday night left much of the small town of West, Texas, in ruins. Even as the nation mourned the victims of Monday's bombings in Boston, the new disaster left hundreds of people in West injured, homeless, and in need of help.
"These are our neighbors, they are coming to help," Waco Police Department Sgt. William Patrick Swanton said Thursday. "You will find that in Texas. You will find that across the United States. We put everything aside when it comes to these types of situations."
With more than 160 people injured and others unaccounted for, the need for blood is great and will increase. Currently the Blood Center of Central Texas and Texas Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster are asking primarily for O positive, O negative and type A blood. The Red Cross of Central Texas has a complete list of area locations currently taking blood donations.
The Salvation Army quickly mobilized in Texas to provide food, drink and emotional and spiritual care to the survivors and first responders in West. It has set up several locations in and around the town.
In addition to nourishment and counsel, the Salvation Army came prepared for the weather. The temperature dropped overnight with severe weather moving through the area. The group has 50 cases of rain suits, jackets and blankets to distribute. The best way to assist The Salvation Army's efforts is through financial donation, which you can do here. In addition, Texas Gov. Rick Perry's website has a list of shelters currently taking in victims as well as a list of local organizations taking donations of clothing and other helpful items.