Mom Bloggers Help Oklahoma Tornado Victims With Posts of Support & Where to Donate

Community

The news continues to roll in about the horrific aftermath of yesterday's 2-mile wide tornado that has leveled two schools and multiple towns in the Moore, Oklahoma area near Oklahoma City. As this post goes live, 24 people are dead including 9 children who were in their last week of the school year. At latest count there are also 242 people who have been reported injured. Meanwhile, the destruction is overwhelming and the total cost of physical damage to property is still being tabulated.

Worst Tornado in Oklahoma history struck May 20, 2013, NY Daily News Image 

Immediate aftermath of Oklahoma Tornado yesterday, CNN Image

For the latest updates on recovery efforts my go to source is ABC.com.

When giving to the charitable effort, please be extremely careful about being scammed by unsavory characters who may be trying to take advantage of this most unfortunate situation that has impacted thousands of people. At a time like this, it is so sad to know that a few opportunists do indeed lurk among the masses who truly care and want to help. 

If you'd like to lend a hand there are a number of legitimate things you can do to help. This list originally posted by Kelly Kinkaid appeared today on MomSpark.com which is published by my friend Amy Bellgardt, a leading mom blogger with kids who has resided in Oklahoma her whole life and lives just about 20 miles away from the storm's worst devastation. 

I'll add additional resources to the list below as I can confirm their legitimacy.

OKC area homes, business & 2 schools were flattened, Perez Hilton Image

Here's where to Donate

• Redcross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999
• The Salvation Army USA has mobilized emergency relief services in Oklahoma, including Moore, to dispense food, water and emotional support to first responders and survivors. Donate via their website or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army's relief efforts. You can also make a donation by calling 800-SAL-ARMY.
• Disaster Relief of Oklahoma Donate here
• United Way of Central Oklahoma Disaster Relief Fund Donate here
• Feeding America Disaster Relief Donate here
• Central Oklahoma Human Society To help pets Donate here
• Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma Donate here or text FOOD to 32333

Amy, your A Day in Hell in Oklahoma post today made me cry. How I wish I was there so I could give you and your kids a hug. But even though I'm in California I want you and everyone else in Oklahoma to know that you are in my constant thoughts, heart, and prayers and I will do everything I can as a mom who blogs to spread the word of how we can all show our support and reach out to your local community at this most difficult time.

Don't forget: You can also help spread the word simply by retweeting this post.


FTC Disclosure: This post is a community service to inspire mom bloggers to come to the aid of those in need. I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this particular post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

How Life Insurance Protects Kids

Family Finances

1st in a series of 5 posts

Why Mom Dads With Children Must Carry Life Insurance

It's not the kind of thing that most parents with young kids want to discuss, let alone even to think about. I know personally with four children including two sons and two daughters, I wasn't always comfortable having a chat about something that implies that my hubbie and/or I could die suddenly and might not be around to watch our kids grow up. 

MBE partnered with Genworth for this post

The reality is, though, that life insurance actually is a very important topic to educate yourself about especially for moms and dads who are young, healthy and who have children. After all, none of us know what tomorrow will bring and each of us needs to make sure that our family will be taken care of financially if, G-d forbid, anything should happen to us and one or both parents meet an untimely sudden death.

My family celebrating after being named Family of The Year

For a lot of parents life insurance can be overwhelming

• What is life insurance any way? 
• What are the differences between universal and term life policies?
• How do I avoid falling victim to a scam? 
• What does it cost and how will I afford it?
• Who can help me make the right decisions for my family? 

Now that we've finally broached the inevitable together -- our own mortality -- we can move on and discuss life insurance itself. After all, now it's pretty easy to see why parents who work outside the home should be insured because if something happens to them there will be no one to pay the bills. 

But what about those who work part-time and stay at home moms and dads -- they don't need insurance because they have little or no income, right? Wrong. That's because they also provide a range of services that are essential to the family and household like childcare, cooking, cleaning, errands -- yes, even helping the kids with homework and making science projects -- and much more. 

Here's why stay-at-home parents need to get life insurance to insulate your kid's financial future, too.

Ultimately none of us wants to even think about what it would be like for the family members we leave behind if we were tragically killed in a car accident or suffered a fatal heart attack or stroke. But, at the same time, I don't know a single parent who wouldn't want their children to be completely taken care in every way if something horrific happened. That's where life insurance comes in and -- because no size fits all -- it's a good thing there are companies like Genworth that will work with you to go over the options you have and help you get the best kind of coverage so you have ensured financial protection for all your loved ones.

It might be hard to open the conversation on this topic but once you do and you've acted upon securing adequate financial protection for your family, it will give you peace of mind knowing that you have done the right thing. I can't imagine a better way to take some of the financial worries out of your life so you can enjoy all those day-to-day moments with your growing family more. Life insurance without a worry in the world -- what a great concept.

About Genworth
Genworth, headquartered in Richmond, VA, offers a range of services to client living in all 50 U.S. states. Among the products available are retirement income, life and long term care insurance and mortgage insurance. For more information visit Genworth.com 

FTC Disclosure: Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network. MBE was compensation for my work on this blogpost, however all opinions are my own. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.

Twitter Party Calendar This Week May 19 - 25 with Prizes

Twitter Parties

Continuous Updates, Sneak Peek at Coming Weeks Too!

Get all the details in this free constantly updated Twitter Party Master Calendar listing tons of family friendly parties including specifics on prizes you can win and links to RSVP and participate. Includes Twitter Parties in the U.S. and Canada. Be sure to check back often every week as new events are added on an ongoing basis -- often with new prize-winning opportunities added several times per day. You'll also get a sneak peek at Twitter parties coming up next week and in the month ahead. Now listing Facebook and Google+ parties with prizes too.

Be the first to know when the latest Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party schedule goes live by following MBE on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

THIS WEEK

Monday, May 20

Play-Doh Color Sticks Twitter Party at 2 pm ET with @resourcefulmom @playdoh. FIVE (5) Play-Doh product prize packages. #Playdohcolorsticks

Tiny Prints Baby Pinning Party at 8 pm ET with @tinyprints. TWENTY FIVE (25) various Tiny Prints prize packages plus ONE (1) Grand Prize $150 Tiny Prints gift certificate. #Tinyprintsbaby

Summer Travel Planning Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Travelingmoms @Kimorlando. Prize: TBA. #TMom

Tuesday, May 21

Toxin Free Gen Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Smiley360 @SeventhGen. Prizes: TEN (10) Seventh Generation product packs. #ToxinFreeGen

Sergeant's Pet Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @MomCocktails @ConnieFoggles and others. FIVE (5) Sergeant's Pet prize packages. #SergeantsPet

Weekly Tech Tuesday Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @KristinaLibby of Microsoft with @windows and others. Prize: ONE (1) Acer Aspire R7 Laptop. #Windows #WinChat

Ask Betty Cake Decorating Twitter Party at 4 pm ET with @BettyCrocker. Prizes: TBA. Participate with hashtag #AskBetty

Baby Trend Bday Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @babytrend @lovemco. Prizes: ONE (1) Baby Trend Car Seat and TWO (2) Sit N' Stand Ultra Strollers. #BabyTrendBday

Girls Night Out Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Frigidaire @Momitforward and others. Prize: Frigidaire Professional Thermal Carafe Coffee Maker ARV $99.99  #gno #frigidaire

MayPam Style Twitter Party at 10 pm ET with @savvysassymoms @pregawareness. Prizes: SIX (6) Giveaways for moms and babies. Participate with hashtag #Maypam

Wednesday, May 22

My Mariano's Twitter Party at Noon ET with @Kellysluckyyou @Proverbswife. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Mariano's Market gift cards. #MyMarianos

Baking Soda Uses Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @Smiley360. Prizes: EIGHT (8) Arm & Hammer Gift Bags. #BakingSodaUses

Frugal Crew Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @4hatsandfrugal. Prizes TBA. #FrugalCrew

Memorial Day Recipes Twitter Party at 4:30 pm ET with @Rebeccalangcooks @Pizzazzerie. Prizes: Vidalia Onions, summer foods & herbs and a $50 Visa giftcard. #Flavorsofsummer

Neutrogena Sunscreen 101 Twitter Party at 4:30 pm ET with @ImageDerma @TheMotherhoodand others. Prizes: Gift baskets with Dr. Downie's favorite sunscreen products. #NTGDerm

Dark Nights, Dangerous Men Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @ElisNaughton @JoanSwan. Prizes: Lots of prizes and gift cards from Barnes & Noble, Amazon and iTunes; Grand Prize includes an autographed copy of FIREBRAND series, a $10 iTunes GC and set of four Eternal Guardians coasters. #DarkNights

Marshalls Summer Fashion Twitter Party with @Marshalls @FabFitFun at 8 pm ET. Gift Card Prizes TBA. Participate with hashtag #fabfound

Gain Aroma De Amor Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @Gain @Latinblah and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) winners will receive a year's supply of Gain laundry detergent ($80-$100 value each). #Aromadeamor

I am Curious Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Curious @Momfluential and others. Prizes: iPad Mini, $50 gift cards and more. #iamcurious

It's the weekly @theonlinemom Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @geekbabe and others. Prize: TBA. #TheOnlineMoms.

Thursday, May 23

Applegate Facebook Party at 3 pm ET with Moms Meet. Prizes: Win Applegate products.

Eye Health Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @MomCentral @MomCentralChat and others. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 Amazon gift codes. Participate in party w/ hashtag #eyehealth

Nuby Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @LoveMCO @OpenHands31. Prizes: TEN (10) Nuby Bath Toys. #NubyBDay

Get Grilling Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @Homesdotcom @AptsforRent and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $50 gift cards. #Homechat

Summer Salsa Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @SavingUGreenMom @Fronterafresh. Prizes: $25 Visa gift cards every 15 minutes and Grand Prize: KitchenAid 3.5 Cup Food Processor, salsa supplies and $20 Visa giftcard. #Summersalsa

Canadian Tire Jumpstart Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @CTJumpstart @RossanaWyatt and others. Prizes: TBA - CANADA Only. #JumpstartDay

Friday, May 24

No Fry Friday Twitter from 10 am to 4 pm ET. A different host every hour @blushingbasics @themanesource and others. Eucerin will be giving away one Sun-Safe prize package each hour that includes a wide brimmed sun hat, a Sunglass Hut giftcard, a water bottle, Eucerin products + more. Participate with hashtag #NoFryFriday

NEXT WEEK

Monday, May 27

Cool Summer Kickoff Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @momsandbrands. Prizes TBA. #Coolsummerkickoff

Weekly Traveling Moms Twitter Party at 9 pm ET this week talking about Summer travel planning with @travelingmoms @kimorlando and others. Prize: TBA. #TMom

Tuesday, May 28 

Samsung Pix Bundle Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @TheRebelChick @TheMommyFiles. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Sam's Club gift cards. #PixBundle

Weekly Tech Tuesday Twitter Party at 3 pm ET with @KristinaLibby of Microsoft. Prize: A different major prize to win each week. #Windows #WinChat

Our Family World Help Families Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @ourfamilyworld @prettynameless. Prizes: THREE (3) Our Family World Bags. #HelpFamilies

Safari Memorial Day Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @SafariLtd @ChildhoodBeckon. Prizes: TBA - U.S. and Canada both eligible to win. #educationalplay

A. Vogel Beauty Essentials Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @AVogel_CA @NaturallySavvy. Prizes: THREE (3) winners get two months supply of A. Vogel's Beauty Essentials products - Canada Only. #BeautyEssentials

Wednesday, May 29

Celebrate Sears Style Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @searsstyle @dentistmel and others. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Sears gift cards. #ThisisStyle

Dole Fruit Parfaits Twitter Party at 1 pm ET with @smiley360 and others. Prizes: SEVEN (7) prize packs that include 3 flavors Dole Fruit Parfaits and TWO (2) $25 giftcards. #DoleFruitParfaits

It Can Wait Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @audreymcclellan. Prizes TBA. Participate with hashtags #ItCanWait and #ATT

Weekly @theonlinemom Twitter Party at 9 pm ET. Prize: TBA. To be eligible to win a prize. #TheOnlineMoms.

Dish with Dawn Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @dawndish @kidsumers and others. Prizes: SIX (6) $50 Mastercard giftcards and TWO (2) Grand Prizes that include 15 piece stainless steel pots and pans set valued at $599.99 + product + $50 Mastercard GC and the You've Gotta Eat It Here book. #Dishwithdawn

Stonyfield Oikos Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @stonyfield @innerchildfun. Prizes: Chance to win a Stonyfield prize pack of $40 in coupons. #StonyfieldGreek

Stuck at Prom Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @theduckbrand @snapconf and others. Prize: Duck Brand Tape prize package #stuckatprom

Thursday, May 30

Happy Healthy Smiles Twitter Party at Noon ET with @amomsimpression @themamareport. Prizes: FIVE (5) $100 Walgreens gift cards. #Happyhealthysmiles

Foster Grant Twitter Party at 7 pm ET with @socialmoms @brettbmartin @fostergrant1929. Prizes: TEN (10) $20 Foster Grant giftcodes. #Fostergrantfamily

Friday, May 31

Weekly Verizon Wireless Twitter Party hosted by @theonlinemom at 3 pm ET. Prizes: TBA. To be eligible to win participate in chat, use hashtag #VZWBuzz

Home Depot Futbol Twitter Party at 8 pm ET with @remingtonsworld @latinblah and others. Prizes: ONE (1) $100 Home Depot gift card, TWO (2) $250 Home Depot GC + signed Luis Hernandez Adidas soccer ball and ONE (1) $300 Home Depot GC + signed Luis Hernandes Adidas soccer ball. #Homedepotfutbo


COMING SOON

Monday, June 3

Kids Fitness Made Fun Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @monkeyjoesparty @healthykids. Prizes: A Visa gift card will be given away for each question, in $25 increments, leading up to the final question with a prize of a $150 Visa GC. #MJActiveKids

Tuesday, June 11

Work Like A Dog Twitter Party 8:30 - 10:00 pm ET with @Zukespets @Eventbarkers and others. Prizes: $1500 in prizes plus Grand Prize valued at $250. #WorkLikeADog

Bloggy Moms Guide to a Better Blog Twitter Party at 9 pm ET with @Bloggymoms. Prize: $500 Gift Card. #BloggyGuide


About this Weekly Twitter Party List
Compiled by MommyBlogExpert.com Twitter Parties are listed free of charge in this weekly schedule. However keep in mind that each party is run by a different brand and/or hosts and MommyBlogExpert, unless specified otherwise, is not responsible for any dealings readers have with these events including, but not limited to, prizing of any party on the calendar. If you'd like to add an event to the Mommy Blog Expert Twitter Party Calendar email janis at janiselspas dot com with Twitter Party in the subject line including all the details and links in the body of your  message.

Also available, for a nominal fee, to host, co-host or serve as a panelist for your own brand Twitter party. To inquire, please email janis@janiselspas.com for information with Twitter Party Consulting Query in the subject line.

FTC Disclosure: MommyBlogExpert does attend some Twitter parties as a guest and also works as a host, co-host, and panelist on others. However, I did not receive any payment or other compensation associated with this post. See complete FTC Disclosure information that appears at the bottom of MommyBlogExpert's main page and at the bottom of every individual post on this blog, including this one.