The Salvation Army today joined Federal Emergency Management Agency officials in discouraging direct donations of food, clothing and other items to the victims of Sunday’s tornado in Joplin, Mo. Financial donations of cash are the best way to assist victims, officials said, because it offers agencies the most flexibility in obtaining the most-needed resources. The Salvation Army has sent four mobile feeding kitchens to Joplin and is also providing emergency communications services. To donate, cellphone users may text the word JOPLIN to 80888 to make a $10 donation. Credit card donations may be made by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY or by going to www.salvationarmyusa.org.