It’s been a busy week at the Red Cross, and we’re not even close to wrapping up our effort to serve the people of Louisiana.
Haven’t heard what’s going on? No worries, we’ll fill you in: Devastating flooding in Louisiana has forced thousands of people from their homes in the largest natural disaster to hit the United States since Superstorm Sandy. Right now, the name of the game is food, shelter and relief supplies.
We’re mobilizing a workforce to assist both in Louisiana and remotely from across the country. Here’s a quick look at some folks on the front lines of our Louisiana flood response.
Mobilizing Across the Country
Several hundred Red Crossers are on the ground in Louisiana now. We did the math, and next to Louisiana, the top states sending workers are Florida, Texas, South Carolina and Pennsylvania.
But here’s the crazy thing: By Friday there will be more than 1,000 workers from all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Whoa! Of course, hundreds more local volunteers are continuing to support relief efforts.
Here’s what the support operation looks like, visualized:
Reporting Live…From Twitter
Red Crossers and their local chapters aren’t shy about sharing their journey, once they get the call to go.
Taelor flew in from Texas…
Here’s a snapshot of my view as we landed in Baton Rouge. Headed to Lafayette tmw to help #RedCross #LAflood relief. pic.twitter.com/W5ZGXX2moN
— Taelor Duckworth (@taelor_renea) August 17, 2016
Janice is from Pennsylvania….
This morning our amazing volunteer @janice_winston deployed to help with #RedCross response efforts in #Louisiana pic.twitter.com/gcrAn4zwof
— RedCrossEasternPA (@ARC_EasternPA) August 16, 2016
And Al and Stewart are telling everyone in Tennessee about their journey.
TN #RedCross drivers Al & Stewart talk w/ @6News about deploying to help #LAflood victims: https://t.co/Zibpg9wwtD pic.twitter.com/Ju17d3nZPX
— Red Cross East TN (@RedCrossEastTN) August 14, 2016
On Location: Volunteer Spotlight
Meet Sharon. She is a new Red Cross volunteer, who is inspired to help others because “she loves helping” and she says there’s a great need for volunteers.
We are especially in awe of our folks on the ground in Louisiana, some of which were affected by the floods and are still putting on their Red Cross gear and helping their neighbors.
Our thoughts are always with those affected by disasters, and we are privileged to provide our hands to help as well.
(P.S. Want to help the Louisiana relief efforts? You can donate directly, or create an online fundraiser to rally your family and friends for support!)