Two area women have been deployed to the West Coast by the American Red Cross of Northwest Missouri to provide support to thousands of people affected by wildfires.

Ex. Dir. Angie Springs said one women is a nurse and was deployed late last week, the second was deployed this week and is working in logistics.  They will be gone for around two weeks assisting with services in California.

As of last Sunday, 250 people were at Red Cross and Community shelters where they received food and drinks, showers and other support. The agency is helping thousands of people begin the task of cleaning up after they were forced to evacuate the area due to fast-moving wildfires.

Financial contributions to support relief efforts following disasters are being accepted at the Northwest Missouri Chapter, located at 401 N. 12th St. St. Joseph, Mo. 64501.   The Northwest Missouri Chapter is also recruiting volunteers to provide aid in the event of future disaster situations.  For more information call (816) 232-8439.