Over 75 Red Cross Workers Sustain Three Shelter Operations
Over 75 Red Cross Workers Sustain Three Shelter Operations
Red Cross workers provide shelter and feeding to five counties along the Mississippi River
Hannibal, Friday, June 20, 2008 – As flooding continues in five of the seven counties the organization serves, the American Red Cross Northeast Missouri Chapter is operating three emergency shelters throughout the area. In addition, several shelter locations are currently on standby should the need for shelter and emergency assistance increase.
The following shelter locations will remain open 24/7 until all needs are met:
OPEN – Culver Stockton College – One College Hill – Canton, MO – Lewis County
OPEN – Elks Lodge – 120 North 5th Street – Louisiana, MO – Pike County
OPEN – Kahoka Middle School – 384 North Jefferson – Kahoka, MO – Clark County
Since the Northeast Missouri Chapter began disaster relief efforts following severe flooding in Clark, Lewis, Marion, Pike and Ralls counties along the Mississippi, over 75 Red Cross workers have been on the job staffing shelters and serving meals. The Chapter and its partner organizations have provided shelter to nearly 100 people and served over 2,250 meals and snacks to evacuees, emergency responders and sandbagging volunteers. The Chapter has coordinated with local emergency officials, community organizations, and faith-based groups to provide these services. In addition, the Chapter has received aid from several Red Cross chapters throughout the state.
How You Can Help:
You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the massive Midwest floods and tornadoes, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. To make a contribution in support of disaster relief for this and future events, please call 1.800.RED.CROSS or donate on-line at www.redcrossstl.org.
About the Online Newsroom for Central US Floods and Tornadoes
The American Red Cross has created an online newsroom, http://redcrossmidwestflooding.wordpress.com/, to keep news media informed about current relief operations underway in flooded communities across then Central United States. Available information includes photos, videos and audio reports. Local media outlets are encouraged to use this information to keep their audiences informed about how to get help and how to give help. All information on the website is available to the public for use, simply credit “American Red Cross” when reprinting.
About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with food, clothing, shelter and other needs in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a vast array of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of thousands of volunteers that give freely of their time.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation’s blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
