By Terry Murry on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
PORTLAND – The American Red Cross Northwest Region is issuing what it calls an urgent appeal for volunteers who are willing and able to travel this fall to support emergency shelters for major disaster relief efforts. The call is being issued for the areas ravaged by Hurricane Helene.
At the beginning of the week, there were more than 900 Red Cross volunteers on the ground staffing shelters and providing aid.
“When disasters upend lives, Red Cross volunteers are on the front lines providing refuge and comfort to people in their darkest hours,” American Red Cross Northwest Region Chief Executive Officer Megan Dulgar said.
Volunteers will need to complete necessary training and be able to commit to a two-week deployment. Applicants who don’t have disaster experience but do have supervision, management, or organizational skills; a strong desire to help others; and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are encouraged to apply at https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html.
A total of 10 states were hit by Helene, with most damage being done in North Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.