Red Cross needs help assisting Florence Victims

The American Red Cross is helping people in multiple states impacted by Hurricane Florence, providing food and shelter to the thousands of people who had to flee their homes. More than 17,100 people sought refuge in over 240 Red Cross and community shelters Friday night to escape the storm’s wrath. This includes at least 10,400 people in 153 shelters in North Carolina, and 6,200 people in 73 shelters in South Carolina. An additional 480 people stayed in 22 shelters in Virginia, Georgia, Tennessee, Maryland and Kentucky. About 2,200 Red Cross disaster workers from all over the country have been mobilized to help shelter, feed and support people affected by Florence. Working with partners, the Red Cross has served 95,600 meals and snacks across eight states. The Red Cross is mobilizing 140 emergency response vehicles and more than 120 trailers of equipment and supplies, including more than 150,000 ready-to-eat meals and enough cots and blankets for more than 42,000 people. The Red Cross depends on financial donations to be able to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Florence by visiting www.RedCross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word FLORENCE to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. In addition, eligible donors are urged to make an appointment now to give blood or platelets to help maintain the nation’s blood supply. There is a critical need for platelet and type O blood donations. Appointments can be made by visiting www.RedCross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% 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.