American Red Cross in desperate need of donations and volunteers

by Sarah Rice (srice@wsbt.com)

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The American Red Cross is in need of voluteers and donations. (WSBT Photo)

By WSBT News1

Story Created: Sep 6, 2008 at 7:40 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 7, 2008 at 12:30 AM EST

ELKHART COUNTY -- With Tropical Storm Hannah and Hurricane Ike approaching, people who live along the Gulf Coast aren't the only ones concerned.

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The American Red Cross is also looking for help. They're in desperate need of donations and volunteers. WSBT spoke with a few local volunteers who know why donations and volunteers are so crucial.

Corrie Stahly is packing for Florida. But she's not going on vacation.

"Think we're gearing up for Ike," Stahly said.

She's one of 24 Elkhart County Red Cross volunteers helping with hurricane disaster relief along the Gulf Coast.

"It's kind of scary not knowing where you're going to go or what you're going to do. My problem is I don't know where I'm going to sleep," said Stahly.

But that's the least of her worries. Helping Hurricane Gustav victims alone may cost the American Red Cross as much as $70 million. And their Disaster Relief Fund is empty.

With Hurricane Ike approaching, the Red Cross is in desperate for donations.

"We need that. That's what we survive on. That's what helps these families whether it's a fire, a hurricane, or a tornado I mean that's what we help them get a fresh start with," said Elkhart County Red Cross volunteer Deb Moore.

The Red Cross is also in need of volunteers. Throughout the country it's looking to recruit 2,500 people. That includes places like Elkhart and St. Joseph counties.

"We're looking for people that are good for distribution of goods. Maybe people who have been in the food service industry. Any of the things that help us with sheltering, feeding of folks doing damage assessments, those kinds of things," said St. Joseph County Red Cross volunteer John Pinter.

This will be Stahly's fifth deployment. And she says no matter what she ends up doing, it's sure to come with huge rewards.

"Just the enjoyment of helping others. And then the friends that you make at the local chapters. They are there for you 24/7," said Stahly.

Stahly leaves Tuesday for Orlando. She'll be there for at least two weeks.

If people want to make donations they can either contact their local Red Cross Chapter or call 1-800-HELPNOW.

If people want to volunteer, there's a training blitz coming up Tuesday. It'll be held from 6-10 p.m. September 9, 11, & 12 in Elkhart County. For times and dates in St. Joseph County go to www.stjoe-redcross.org.

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