Amazing Examples of Community Spirit
DARKE COUNTY, OH May 9, 2011 The American Red Cross is gearing up to
respond to major flooding along the Mississippi River even as more than
5,000 Red Cross workers continue to help the thousands of people in
tornado-ravaged neighborhoods across the South. Potentially
catastrophic flooding could occur next week along the Mississippi
River, and the Red Cross is responding; thousands of cots, blankets and
comfort kits are en route to the area. Shelters are open in Alabama,
Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri, Mississippi, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky
and North Carolina.
Volunteers and donors across the county have been responding, including
Darke County. Several volunteers have been on alert, packed and
ready to respond. Last Friday, local volunteer C.W. headed out
for a three-week assignment to Tennessee, making this his tenth
national disaster assignment. On Mothers Day, Lucy, mother of
two, age 95, grandmother of seven and great-grandmother of fourteen,
left for Tennessee as well. Several other Darke Countians are on
stand-by as well, waiting for deployment.
On Monday evening, people interested in beginning their disaster
volunteering careers are meeting at the Chapter office to take Disaster
Services: An Overview which is a basic level course that provides an
introduction to Disaster Services at the American Red Cross. For those
who can’t make this class, call or email to be placed on the waiting
list for the next class offering at the Darke County Chapter at
548-1002 or email gumpl@darkecounty.redcross.org. Forecasters warn that
flood waters could remain in areas for as long as two weeks, forcing
thousands of people to stay in shelters for more than a month. Your
help is needed, now is the time to start, join!
Those who want to help the people affected by these disasters, as well
as countless crises at home and around the world, but can’t volunteer
can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.
Their gift will enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide
shelter, food, emotional support and other disaster assistance. To make
a donation, people can visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
Contributions may also be sent to the Darke County Chapter at 130 Martz
Street, Greenville, OH, please mark in memo of check national disaster
relief or Spring Storms.
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