Why I do what I do

It’s simple really, compelling human interest.  As a Red Cross volunteer, I know that what I do has an everlasting on the lives of my storm ravaged neighbors.  By training in Disaster Response, sacrificing my daily comforts, and spending weeks away from my family, my hope is that if I am ever in need those whom I help will bring aid to me or my loved ones.

Right now, the American Red Cross has over 100 shelters open across the states of North Carolina, Virginia and in the District of Columbia.  Lives have been torn apart, homes destroyed, futures re-roted.  But the Red Cross is there, stronger than ever, offering immediate assistance by providing storm victims with the means to purchase food, clothing, medications and giving them a place to stay. 

All services provided by the American Red Cross are free to the victims of disaster. The hope we provide comes from the generous donations of time, blood, and money from the American people. Together, you and the American Red Cross provide hope.

It is that hope restored in the lives of victims that compels me to do what I do for the victims of disaster.

 

 

Brian Scoles

Hurricane Harriet

After Hurricane Harriet slamed the shores of Virginia on September 5, 2008, while the relief effort was in process Red Cross official were informed of a family living on a marine dock. They refused to leave the area because their fishing boat was stranded on the banks. They were concerned that looters would steal their precious belongings and supplies. Adjacent to the dock was a large chemical company. Health officials were concerned with the welfare of this family, as Lei Tai was three months pregnant.

Red Cross workers met with the family to encourage them to access the supplies the Red Cross has available, such as water, food and shelter.

Brian Fern

Annie Marckel

Tiffany Hayes

Red Cross Shelters Provide Safe Haven for Hurricane Victims

Thousands of people are finding a safe place to ride out Hurricane Harriett at Red Cross shelters in Virginia and North Carolina. Red Cross volunteers are trained and dedicated to helping people get through disasters such as this. Thousands of people have registered themselves on the Safe and Well website on redcross.org. Red Cross encourages everyone impacted by the storm to do the same. You can contact a loved one out of the area to register you. That peace of mind brings great comfort to loved ones.

Red Cross On Site in VA, NC as Hurricane Harriet Approaches

As Hurricane Harriet bears down on coastal Virginia and North Carolina, the American Red Cross is ramping up support to feed and shelter evacuees. Currently the Red Cross has opened 60 hurricane evacuation shelters in Virginia and another 50 shelters in North Carolina with a total population of 65,000 evacuees. Supplies have been pre-positioned to help support hurricane evacuees including 1.25 million heater meals, and 125 mobile feeding trucks. In addition, more than 10,000 Red Cross disaster workers and volunteers have been recruited. Partner organizations including the Spirit of America and the Southern Baptists are supporting Red Cross feeding efforts. On a happy note, an evacuee at a Red Cross Shelter in Norfolk, Virginia gave birth to a healthy baby girl named fittingly, Harriet.  

Hurricane Harriet Response

Red Cross volunteers and staff stand immediately ready to assist communities in the path of this storm.  Shelters are open and supplies are in place.  Please call 1-800-REDCROSS or log on to www.redcross.org for the most up to date information.

 

Jennifer Ryan, ARC Public Affairs Manager