Local Agencies Organize Hurricane Relief
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
Two national organizations with local chapters are working on relief for the victims of Hurricane Charley.
Both the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army local chapters are asking constituents for support to help those in need in Florida and other southeastern states hit by the hurricane.
"The extent of the disaster and relief effort is going to be extensive," said Larry Peppel, American Red Cross executive director.
The national American Red Cross has called on its chapters to help raise money for assistance. All help by the American Red Cross for the victims is provided at no cost to those assisted.
Peppel said he is asking Kosciusko County residents, as well as businesses and corporations, to consider making donations to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.
"It is frightfully low and it's going to be empty fairly quickly," Peppel said. All funds donated locally for the hurricane relief will be used for the storm assistance and not kept locally.
In addition, Peppel said, "We have one volunteer leaving (today) on assignment." The volunteer, Ann Sweet, is traveling to Florida for about two weeks to help with disaster relief. Sweet will help provide emergency shelter, food, water, clothing and other items as needed.
"We do that through Family Services or what we call Mass Care," said Peppel.
Two other volunteers are on stand-by but have not been called yet.
Since the areas hit by the hurricane are without electricity, blood drives also cannot be held there. To help with the blood supply, Peppel said, the Kosciusko County chapter of the Red Cross will hold eight blood drives in the next 30 days. "We've added about three blood drives locally."
According to information provided by Ken Locke of The Salvation Army, Warsaw, The Salvation Army has responded with national, regional and local resources after the devastation left by Hurricane Charley. Disaster services are in operation throughout Florida and the eastern states affected by the storm and will continue as long as necessary.
The Salvation Army Mobile Command Center in Florida has dispatched 57 canteens to service the needs of victims of the hurricane. The Tampa center was opened in 2000 in anticipation of disasters. The center serves as a command post to coordinate efforts, warehouse donated items and distribute them to relief efforts across Florida. The canteens serve onsite preparing meals to feed thousands of storm victims, distribute donated materials and provide showers and housing for volunteers. The Salvation Army has refrigeration trucks and mobile command centers serving in the devastated area.
The Army also will draw resources from other disaster response units located in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.
The Salvation Army is an international organization that has provided disaster assistance since its inception in 1865.
Local citizens can support the efforts of The Salvation Army by calling 800-SAL-ARMY or go to www.salvationarmyusa.org for more information. Monetary donations may be sent to: Hurricane Charley Relief, The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 175, Warsaw, IN 46581. Note "Hurricane Charley" on the memo line.
To make a financial gift to the American Red Cross, call 800-HELP NOW, 800-257-7575 (Spanish); or send them to the local chapter, Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 320 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw, IN 46580; or the national organization at American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Online contributions can be made at www.redcross.org [[In-content Ad]]
Two national organizations with local chapters are working on relief for the victims of Hurricane Charley.
Both the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army local chapters are asking constituents for support to help those in need in Florida and other southeastern states hit by the hurricane.
"The extent of the disaster and relief effort is going to be extensive," said Larry Peppel, American Red Cross executive director.
The national American Red Cross has called on its chapters to help raise money for assistance. All help by the American Red Cross for the victims is provided at no cost to those assisted.
Peppel said he is asking Kosciusko County residents, as well as businesses and corporations, to consider making donations to the American Red Cross National Disaster Relief Fund.
"It is frightfully low and it's going to be empty fairly quickly," Peppel said. All funds donated locally for the hurricane relief will be used for the storm assistance and not kept locally.
In addition, Peppel said, "We have one volunteer leaving (today) on assignment." The volunteer, Ann Sweet, is traveling to Florida for about two weeks to help with disaster relief. Sweet will help provide emergency shelter, food, water, clothing and other items as needed.
"We do that through Family Services or what we call Mass Care," said Peppel.
Two other volunteers are on stand-by but have not been called yet.
Since the areas hit by the hurricane are without electricity, blood drives also cannot be held there. To help with the blood supply, Peppel said, the Kosciusko County chapter of the Red Cross will hold eight blood drives in the next 30 days. "We've added about three blood drives locally."
According to information provided by Ken Locke of The Salvation Army, Warsaw, The Salvation Army has responded with national, regional and local resources after the devastation left by Hurricane Charley. Disaster services are in operation throughout Florida and the eastern states affected by the storm and will continue as long as necessary.
The Salvation Army Mobile Command Center in Florida has dispatched 57 canteens to service the needs of victims of the hurricane. The Tampa center was opened in 2000 in anticipation of disasters. The center serves as a command post to coordinate efforts, warehouse donated items and distribute them to relief efforts across Florida. The canteens serve onsite preparing meals to feed thousands of storm victims, distribute donated materials and provide showers and housing for volunteers. The Salvation Army has refrigeration trucks and mobile command centers serving in the devastated area.
The Army also will draw resources from other disaster response units located in Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Louisiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.
The Salvation Army is an international organization that has provided disaster assistance since its inception in 1865.
Local citizens can support the efforts of The Salvation Army by calling 800-SAL-ARMY or go to www.salvationarmyusa.org for more information. Monetary donations may be sent to: Hurricane Charley Relief, The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 175, Warsaw, IN 46581. Note "Hurricane Charley" on the memo line.
To make a financial gift to the American Red Cross, call 800-HELP NOW, 800-257-7575 (Spanish); or send them to the local chapter, Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross, 320 N. Buffalo St., Warsaw, IN 46580; or the national organization at American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Online contributions can be made at www.redcross.org [[In-content Ad]]