Local Red Cross volunteers head to Gulf

The American Red Cross Southwest Washington Chapter has deployed nine volunteers to assist in providing mass sheltering and feeding in the affected gulf coast states, at the request of the American Red Cross National Headquarters.

Three of the responders, Mike Clark, Reba Clow and Duane Royer, have been sent to New Orleans; Dorthy White and Pat Day are in Mississippi; Arnie and Dena James were sent to Texas; and Robert Cole is in Louisiana. All were sent as managers to provide care at shelters being set up for those evacuated from the coastal communities. At least three other local volunteers are being prepared to depart for assignment and many more are needed.

The Southwest Washington Chapter is also preparing to send additional volunteers who can support shelter and feeding operations, public affairs, mental health services, distribution and more.

Local individuals who are interested in volunteering to this hurricane response are encouraged to contact their chapter at 360-693-5821 to initiate the process.

Help in the form of contributions to the National Disaster Relief Fund can be made locally through the local chapter at 3114 E. Fourth Plain Blvd. or online at http://www.RedCross.org.