The local chapter of the American Red Cross frequently assists disaster victims in other regions of the country.
(SALEM) - Three volunteers of the Willamette Chapter of the American Red Cross have been assigned to the Red Cross tornado relief effort in Florida.
A national appeal was made late Saturday afternoon for 426 Red Cross volunteers, needed to assist with the tornado relief effort underway in Florida.
All three of the Salem area volunteers are experienced disaster relief workers who have worked nationally and locally. They have committed to three week assignments.
One of those volunteers, Sherry Hinkle of Monmouth, will report to Daytona Beach to work in Staffing for the relief effort. She will be responsible for coordination of local disaster volunteers.
Volunteer Red Vanis of Keizer will also report to Daytona Beach, where he will work in Procurement. Red will help coordinate the acquisition of items such as food, water, personal hygiene kits, and clean-up kits. Red Cross officials say these will will be needed in the coming weeks to help Floridians.
Another Salem area volunteer, George Booth of Nehalem, will report to Daytona Beach to help feed people in the communities affected by the tornadoes. Red Cross volunteers provide food for shelters and deliver meals in communities where power and water has been disrupted.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. Last year, almost a million volunteers and 35,000 employees helped victims of almost 75,000 disasters; taught lifesaving skills to millions; and helped U.S. service members separated from their families stay connected.
Almost 4 million people gave blood through the Red Cross, the largest supplier of blood and blood products in the United States. The American Red Cross is part of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on donations of time, money, and blood to do its work
Salem Red Cross Volunteers Will Provide Emergency Relief in FloridaSalem-News.com