The American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri is seeking volunteers to aid in disaster relief.

The agency currently has nine volunteers deployed to Texas and Oklahoma where devastating floods and tornadoes pounded the states over the weekend.

More than 220 people spent their Memorial Day in Red Cross shelters in the two states. Governors in both states declared disasters in more than 80 counties after the extreme weather destroyed or damaged thousands of homes and left thousands without power.

Since early May, Red Cross workers have opened 30 shelters, served more than 23,000 meals and snacks, handed out 31,000 relief items and cleaning supplies. Nearly 700 Red Crossers are helping in Texas along with 22 emergency response vehicles.

The Red Cross has also been helping people in parts of Oklahoma since tornadoes hit the state in early May.

The Red Cross of Northwest Missouri is looking for individuals interested in getting trained to respond to disaster like those in Texas and Oklahoma.  The Northwest Missouri Chapter will be hosting Disaster Overview and Shelter Operations courses on Tuesday, June 2nd.

These courses will teach volunteers about the American Red Cross’s role during a disaster relief operation as well as cover standard operating procedures for assisting with a shelter.

If you are interested in registering for this course or would like more information about how to become involved with the American Red Cross, contact Teresa Cobb, Volunteer Specialist, at 816.232.8439.

All participants must be pre-registered and all volunteers must pass a background check and hold a valid driver’s license.

Financial donations to help with the relief efforts are also being accepted at the American Red Cross at 401 N. 12th Street, St. Joseph, MO 64501.

A $10 donation can also be made to the American Red Cross by texting REDCROSS to 90999.