Boston Marathon relief effort: How you can help

A race official assists Bill Iffrig, 78, who was knocked down near the finish line after one of the two blasts went off during Monday's Boston Marathon. (Photo: Ken McGagh/AP)

Consecutive explosions near the finish line of Monday's Boston Marathon has left three people dead and more than 100 others injured. Details of who did this and why are unknown at this point, but rescue organizations are doing all they can to tend to those in need.

Here are several things you can do, if you're in the Boston area or farther away, to help those affected by this tragedy.

1. The Salvation Army is providing support to survivors and first responders. The best way to be of assistance is by making a financial contribution on their website.

Personnel trained in crisis response are providing a service as well. If you would like to volunteer for future needs or be trained in disaster response, click here.

2. Donate blood. This is always crucial when disaster strikes. Visit the American Red Cross website and learn how to help. Or call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767).

(The Red Cross has reached its quota for blood donations for Boston Marathon relief, but you can always give.)

3. Some marathon runners are stranded in Boston and need a place to stay. If you live in the area or are close to it and are willing to pick up people and open up your home, click here to find out how you can offer housing.

4. For families trying to locate loved ones, call the Boston Mayor's hotline at 617-635-4500. And if you have any tips to help out with the investigation, call 1-800-494-TIPS (8477), text the word TIP to CRIME (27463), or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324) and choose prompt #3.

5. If you're concerned about a runner in the marathon, you can see his or her last check in on the Boston Marathon site. You can also track down a loved one via Google's Person Finder if you're worried they were near the blasts.

6. Massachusetts General Hospital is accepting donations for emergency medicine and trauma. You can donate online, call 617-726-2200 to contribute by phone, or send your donation via mail to: MGH Developmental Office, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, MA 02114.

7. Boston Children's Hospital continues to aid in the recovery following the explosions. You can support the hospital's efforts with a donation to the Marathon Program, which supports the hospital's areas of greatest need, or the Emergency and Trauma fund, which helps kids and families get the emergency treatment they need when tragedy strikes.

8. If you need psychological counseling or want to talk out your experience with a professional, call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-985-5990.

9. A Boston Marathon spokesperson said that they are creating a donations page on their website and Facebook page that will be ready in the next 24-48 hours.

10. Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick and Boston Mayor Thomas Menino announced the formation of The One Fund Boston at a press conference Tuesday afternoon that will raise money for those families affected by Monday's tragedy. You can learn more and donate by visiting the website, onefundboston.org.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more updates on how to help from near or far.