The American Red Cross says the Greater Pennsylvania Region has sent 112 staff and volunteers from our 50-county area to support the relief efforts following Hurricanes Florence and Michael so far. Of that number, 45 are still actively deployed – some have deployed more than once.

Volunteers from our area are performing everything from sheltering and feeding, to logistics and health and mental health services. A number of local volunteers have assumed leadership roles for the national assignment.

At this point in the operation, the American Red Cross and it’s partners have provided more than 150,000 overnight shelter stays, have served more than 1.87 million meals and snacks, handed out nearly 340,000 relief supplies, and have offered 55,000 health and mental health services and referrals.

The relief effort following both storms will continue well into the holiday season, and the local Red Cross region will continue to support the effort.

People looking to make a difference can support the relief operation in the following ways:

Become a Red Cross Volunteer – If you volunteer today you most likely will not be deployed, but you will be trained and will start to serve in your local community and will then be eligible to deploy during future relief operations.

Make a monetary donation – The best way to support the relief effort is through a monetary donation to the Red Cross. You can donate online at redcross.org, send a check to your local Red Cross office, or can text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Donate Blood – There is a constant need for blood. Both hurricanes have resulted in the cancellation of numerous drives throughout the impact areas, meaning a loss of donations that are already in short supply. Find a blood drive near you by visiting redcross.org.

WTAJ News is also hosting a telethon Thursday, October 18th from Noon to 6:00 p.m. You can also donate through the WTAJ News website, HERE.