American Red Cross workers are on the ground in Texas, helping residents of the Lone Star State impacted by yet another devastating flooding situation. Rain continues to fall in the region where the ongoing flooding has already damaged or destroyed thousands of homes and businesses.
Eight volunteers from the Western and Central New York Region are assisting flood victims.
Carlos Alverio of Rochester is departing for the Greater Houston area to serve as a shelter worker. From Central New York, May Becker of Fayetteville is providing client casework virtually.
They are joining several other regional volunteers already supporting Texas flood relief. Lee Campfield of Apalachin (Southern Tier Chapter) is involved in bulk distribution activities. Diana McLaughlin of Rochester and Beth Shook of Cuba (Western New York) are working in Staff Services. Louis Iannettoni of Elbridge (Central New York) and Lorraine Morris of Bath (Finger Lakes) are assisting with Disaster Services Technology, and Frank VanSickle of Cortland (Central New York) is assisting virtually with call center operations.
Two other volunteers are in the Alberta, Canada area assisted residents impacted by ongoing wildfires. Winnie Romeril of Prattsburg (Finger Lakes) is working in Public Affairs and Peggy McGee-Smith of Kenmore (Western New York) is providing Disaster Mental Health services.
MULTIPLE DISASTERS IN TEXAS THIS YEAR
Over the last year, the American Red Cross has helped tens of thousands of people across Texas impacted by relentless severe weather, flooding and tornadoes in more than 130 counties—many of which were struck multiple times.
So far this year, the Red Cross helped as:
- Texas residents faced tornadoes and flooding over the Christmas holidays which destroyed hundreds of homes.
- A powerful storm brought more flooding to the region, again destroying homes and businesses in March.
- Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city, came to a near standstill in April when record floods impacted more than 5,000 homes.
- The present flooding damaged or destroyed thousands of homes, with heavy rain predicted to continue for the next several days.
Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like wildfires, flooding and countless other crises can make a donation to Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
Another way people can help is to become a Red Cross volunteer. The donated time and talent of a Red Cross volunteer can make a real difference in people’s lives. Go to redcross.org to learn more about volunteer opportunities and how to submit a volunteer application.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visitredcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.