As more than a dozen American Red Cross volunteers and staff members in northwest Missouri deploy to assist those impacted by disasters, the agency said more volunteers are needed.
Six volunteers as of Monday have been deployed to Texas to assist in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. In addition, six volunteers are continuing to assist in flood relief efforts in Kansas City. Also, one volunteers has been deployed to British Columbia to provide relief from wild fires. Ex. Dir. Angie Springs said volunteers will deploy from Kansas City on Tuesday with the agency’s emergency response vehicle to provide additional assistance in hurricane relief efforts impacting Texas and Louisianan.
“We are currently in the process of sending volunteers to provide assistance with sheltering, with feeding , with logistics, with managing supplies and with fundraising,” Springs said. “This is historic. We have not seen a hurricane like this since Hurricane Katrina. We really are calling on everyone to roll up their sleeves, lend a hand and help financially in any way they can.”
The Red Cross said preliminary estimates indicate that at least 6,000 people sought refuge in dozens of shelters in Texas Sunday night. Officials believe that number could be much higher. Shelters are also open in Louisiana as bands from the storm move to the east.
Springs said donations and more volunteers are needed.
“We need new volunteers to step forward, come in and become a part of the Red Cross. If you’ve ever wanted to do this sort of thing, now is the time,” Springs said.
She said volunteers must pass a prescreening background check, have no health issues and be willing to deploy for 14 days. Once through the initial process, they will receive specialized training before being eligible to deploy.
Those wanting to make a donations to assist with hurricane relief efforts can text: “HARVEY” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Financial contributions are being accepted at the agency’s office at 401 N. 12th Street in St. Joseph or online at www.redcross.org.