Local Volunteers Help In Hurricane Cleanup
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
While Hurricane Charley has come and gone - and most of the news about it has gone as well - Florida residents still are dealing with its cleanup.
The American Red Cross continues to be on hand to help as much as it can. The need for financial contributions to the organization is still present to help the hurricane's victims.
Approximately 10,500 customers were still without power as of Aug. 29. Gulf Coast Hospital in Lee County remains closed. Schools remain closed in some areas and several counties have boil water advisories still in effect.
Locally, Larry Peppel, executive director of the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said they have raised approximately $2,300 in this county to help Florida. Nationwide, $25 million has been raised.
"There's still a significant need," Peppel said.
Three local volunteers also traveled south to assist. Ann Sweet spent two weeks there, returning Aug. 27. Shirley Finlay is there for the next few weeks. Gregg Wilkinson will be in Florida for a total of three or four weeks.
"There's going to be an ongoing need," said Peppel.
He said he is appealing to the public to make donations to the national relief fund to help with the disaster recovery.
"The message I want to get out is that while it may not be as much on television, the need is still there," Peppel said.
While Florida continues to clean up after Charley, Hurricane Francis now is past Puerto Rico. Its path is uncertain. If it hits Florida, the American Red Cross will have another disaster on its hands.
According to information provided by the American Red Cross, initial assessments of the projected costs of the Red Cross' response to Hurricane Charley stand at an estimated $50 million, potentially being the fifth most expensive response effort in their history.
In response to the hurricane, the Red Cross has mobilized a massive relief effort. More than 250 shelters were opened across the affected area to provide emergency shelter and food to residents. More than 200,000 meals and snacks per day are being served by the charitable organization.
To make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, call 800-HELP-NOW, 800-257-7575 (Spanish), send monetary gifts to the local chapter or to the national organization at American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can visit online at www.redcross.org [[In-content Ad]]
While Hurricane Charley has come and gone - and most of the news about it has gone as well - Florida residents still are dealing with its cleanup.
The American Red Cross continues to be on hand to help as much as it can. The need for financial contributions to the organization is still present to help the hurricane's victims.
Approximately 10,500 customers were still without power as of Aug. 29. Gulf Coast Hospital in Lee County remains closed. Schools remain closed in some areas and several counties have boil water advisories still in effect.
Locally, Larry Peppel, executive director of the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said they have raised approximately $2,300 in this county to help Florida. Nationwide, $25 million has been raised.
"There's still a significant need," Peppel said.
Three local volunteers also traveled south to assist. Ann Sweet spent two weeks there, returning Aug. 27. Shirley Finlay is there for the next few weeks. Gregg Wilkinson will be in Florida for a total of three or four weeks.
"There's going to be an ongoing need," said Peppel.
He said he is appealing to the public to make donations to the national relief fund to help with the disaster recovery.
"The message I want to get out is that while it may not be as much on television, the need is still there," Peppel said.
While Florida continues to clean up after Charley, Hurricane Francis now is past Puerto Rico. Its path is uncertain. If it hits Florida, the American Red Cross will have another disaster on its hands.
According to information provided by the American Red Cross, initial assessments of the projected costs of the Red Cross' response to Hurricane Charley stand at an estimated $50 million, potentially being the fifth most expensive response effort in their history.
In response to the hurricane, the Red Cross has mobilized a massive relief effort. More than 250 shelters were opened across the affected area to provide emergency shelter and food to residents. More than 200,000 meals and snacks per day are being served by the charitable organization.
To make a financial contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, call 800-HELP-NOW, 800-257-7575 (Spanish), send monetary gifts to the local chapter or to the national organization at American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can visit online at www.redcross.org [[In-content Ad]]