Carrie Underwood offers $1 million to tornado relief effort

Carrie Underwood is helping residents in her tornado-devastated home state of Oklahoma with a $1 million donation.

The singer, who grew up in Muskogee, was left distraught after twisters swept through the region around Oklahoma City on Monday (20May13), leaving 24 people dead, including nine children.

Now she is aiding the relief effort in a big way by handing over a cheque to the Red Cross.

A statement from Carrie Underwood reads, "I have watched the devastation in my home state of Oklahoma over the past several days with great sadness. With the help of my fans who attended my concerts over the past year, we can offer the Red Cross a little extra help in comforting those affected by the recent tornados."

Neal Litvack, chief development officer for the Red Cross, adds, "The impact of the tornados in Oklahoma and the Midwest was devastating and the road to recovery will be long for many families. Through the generosity of Carrie, the American Red Cross can quickly respond with shelter, food and comfort now, and with lasting help as they move toward recovery."