The tragedy of Monday’s tornado in Oklahoma may be halfway across the country, but there are still ways we can help locally.

Jordan Scott, communications director for the American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter, said the organization is accepting donations for relief efforts. People can text REDCROSS to 9099 to make an automatic $10 donation, or can visit redcross.org to make a donation.

Scott said there are no plans yet to send teams from Northern California over to Oklahoma for relief efforts, but that it usually takes 24 to 48 hours for them to receive requests.

“Our volunteers know it may happen and to be ready,” Scott said. “We’ve got the experience and the expertise here.”

Volunteers from the area have helped out through other disasters, including the 2011 tornado in Joplin, Mo., and Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

The Friends of the Modesto Library will hold their annual 50% off Scholastic Book Sale at the Modesto Library Tuesday, May 21 through Thursday, May 23 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 25 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All books are brand new children’s and teen books from more than 100 publishers at discount prices. Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to stock up on new reads for summer vacation!

For more information, please call the Friends of the Modesto Library at (209) 996-1531.