The American Red Cross has helped people in 16 states whose lives were disrupted by severe spring weather so far this year.

Most recently, the Red Cross responded to tornadoes in Oklahoma, Kansas and Iowa by opening shelters, serving meals, providing emotional support and handing out relief supplies.

As of April 20, the Red Cross has deployed 2,700 workers who have helped people affected by floods and tornadoes by serving more than 239,000 meals and snacks; handing out more than 111,000 relief items such as comfort kits and cleaning supplies like shovels, rakes, gloves and trash bags; opening 47 shelters and providing more than 1,300 overnight stays; and providing more than 9,000 health and mental health contacts.

American Red Cross, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake Counties is involved with the effort.

In Santa Rosa, Friedman’s Home Improvement has donated $10,000 to help support Red Cross relief throughout the Midwest. In addition to the funds donated through the local Red Cross chapter, Friedman's is accepting customer donations for the victims of the storms in their stores in Santa Rosa, Sonoma and Ukiah.

“The Red Cross is grateful for Friedman’s donation and their effort to collect funds for those affected by the spring tornadoes,” said Red Cross Regional CEO Tim Miller.

Friends and family outside the disaster area can learn the status of their loved ones by using a pre-disaster phone number or complete address on the Red Cross “Safe and Well” Web site.

The Red Cross encourages people to register on the Red Cross “Safe and Well” Web site to let loved ones know they are safe by visiting www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

“Safe and Well” also enables disaster survivors to update their Facebook and Twitter status through the Web site.

People can help those affected by disasters like the Midwest tornadoes and storms, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief at www.arcsm.org (Red Cross Web site for Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties); at www.redcross.org (national Red Cross Web site); calling 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767); texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation; U.S. mail: 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa, CA 95403; at the Red Cross: 5297 Aero Drive, Santa Rosa (Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).