Work continues at the Kosciusko County Chapter of the American Red Cross in response to the disaster relief efforts for people impacted by hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast area of the United States.

"Our emphasis and focus is to raise funds for the disaster relief effort by accepting donations from local citizens, and also in training area citizens who can participate as a disaster volunteer in the areas affected. I am extremely proud to report that our Chapter has received over $96,000 in disaster relief donations, and these dollars have been forwarded to the National American Red Cross hurricane relief effort in accordance with instructions from our donors," reported Larry Peppel, executive director of the Kosciusko County Red Cross Chapter.

"In addition," Peppel said, "our chapter has trained and processed assignments for a total of 50 volunteers thus far, and we have provided training for 107 individuals in total. There continues to be a need for additional volunteers as some volunteers are now returning from their assignments and more volunteers will be required in the future as this relief effort will last for several months, in my opinion."

Individuals interested in volunteering for a disaster assignment can get more information from the local Kosciusko County Chapter by calling 574-267-5244. Training classes are offered each week to prepare volunteers with a basic overview and understanding of the various elements of the disaster relief process being carried out by the Red Cross. This effort currently includes providing shelter and meals, mental health counseling, and financial assistance to meet emergency needs, including helping people sign up for other government assistance programs available to them.

Peppel reported the local chapter has provided assistance to transient families who have left the affected areas to stay with local relatives and/or friends until they can safely return home.

"This relief effort has greatly challenged the entire Red Cross organization as the magnitude of this relief effort has never been experienced before. Yet, I remain very proud of our many volunteers who have served on assignment, working long hours for many days before their return home. We now have some local volunteers who participated early in the disaster, signing up for a second assignment to return and serve again," said Peppel.

"We are blessed with caring and supportive people throughout our county and I wish to thank all of the individuals, families, corporations, school groups and organizations who have stepped forward to donate money in support of the Red Cross Disaster Relief effort. The Red Cross simply could not exist without the support of the American people, and the volunteer effort that has risen to the cause," said Peppel. [[In-content Ad]]