Volunteers help Southeast flood victims
Thursday, October 1, 2009“The Red Cross is doing God’s work.” U.S. Vice President Joe Biden today said that is how his mother describes the assistance being given by the American Red Cross to those affected by this week’s flooding in the Southeast U.S.
His visit to Georgia to survey the damage included a stop at the Red Cross shelter at the Cobb County Civic Center. “The people being helped are so appreciative,” he continued, “this is more than a physical loss, it’s a psychological loss. This is tough stuff.”
Hundreds of people have spent the night in Red Cross shelters in Georgia and Tennessee. The Red Cross has volunteers and staff and Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) in the area with more on stand-by. Cleaning supplies and comfort kits are being distributed and thousands of meals have been served to those affected by the flooding. Officials say early estimates show as many as 3,000 homes may be affected with damages estimated at $250 million.
Southeast Floods: Updated Stats
The following information shows our total service delivery since the beginning of the Georgia floods:
- Shelters opened: 8
- Shelter Overnight Stays: 2,011
- Supplies distributed (like Clean up kits): 44,453
- Meals served: 22,165
- Snacks served: 19,479
- Emergency Response Vehicles on the ground: 21
- Mental Health Consultations: 1,034
- Health Services Consultations: 642
- Red Cross workers involved: 742
How you can help
Central Illinois residents can help people affected by disasters like the Southeast floods by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. To give to the Disaster Relief Fund, click here.