By Staff
KALAMAZOO - While devastating Hurricane Katrina was still gaining strength in the Gulf of Mexico and headed toward New Orleans, Disaster Action Team volunteers with the Greater Kalamazoo Area Chapter of the American Red Cross were preparing to respond to this disaster.
Two volunteers were deployed on Saturday, Aug. 27, driving the chapter's emergency response vehicle southward to get it into an appropriate staging area and ready to rush into action as soon as the storm passes.
Ten additional local volunteers have been mobilized for relief operations.
They will travel to Red Cross staging areas just outside the hurricane zone as quickly as possible.
The American Red Cross is mobilizing for a massive relief operation in the aftermath of this storm and more local volunteers may be assigned to relief operations.
For the latest on the American Red Cross response, go to www.redcross.org.
The most effective way residents of southwest Michigan can help the American Red Cross carry out its disaster relief mission for the victims of Hurricane Katrina (and the thousands of other disasters large and small that strike American communities annually) is to make a tax-deductible financial donation to the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF). You can donate to the Fund through the Greater Kalamazoo Area Chapter or directly to American Red Cross Headquarters. To donate on line, go to www.greaterkzooredcross.org or www.redcross.org. To donate by phone you may call the Chapter at (269) 353-6180 or call toll free 1-800-HELP NOW. Donations also can be mailed or brought to the Chapter at 5640 Venture Court, Kalamazoo, MI 49009, or mailed to American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Due to the logistics and expense of dealing with donated food, clothing and furniture, the American Red Cross does not accept those items from individuals. Corporations with large quantities of items appropriate for donation are asked to contact American Red Cross headquarters for more information.