Posted on 08/31/2005 7:59:18 PM PDT by SandRat
Red Cross volunteer from SV already taking vehicle to Gulf Coast; others preparing to leave
BY DANA COLE
HERALD/REVIEW
SIERRA VISTA - As Hurricane Katrina smashed through Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama on Monday, local Red Cross volunteers were already preparing to head toward the Gulf Coast.
"So far I've sent one of our emergency response volunteers, but we have others who are just waiting to go," said Judee Ramsey, service center manager of the local Red Cross chapter. "As of Sunday, he was going to a staging area in Arkansas with our emergency response vehicle. That was the last I heard from him."
The special emergency vehicles are used to supply disaster victims with food, cleanup supplies and any number of items needed to help victims get through the crisis, Ramsey said.
After four hurricanes crushed the Florida coast last year, the local Red Cross emergency response team remained in Florida for three months, assisting disaster victims in that region.
"We have a very dedicated group of people here, and they're anxious to go help with FROM PAGE A1
the Katrina disaster," Ramsey said.
All are members of a national disaster team and have received specialized training, she said.
Because of Katrina's widespread destruction, the Red Cross is requesting monetary donations, Ramsey said. All donations will be used for the hurricane relief effort.
"We prefer that the donation be earmarked for hurricane relief, and not for one specific area that has been hit," Ramsey said. "That allows the Red Cross to use the money where it is most urgently needed."
Ramsey was in Biloxi, Miss., when Camille struck in August 1969.
"They're comparing this to Camille," she lamented. "I saw the destruction that Camille caused, and it was absolutely horrific. It's going to take months and months for these coastal areas to get back on their feet."
More help headed to the disaster zone
This is how TRUE American's react. The DEMS are sitting around complaining about the people coming to the rescue.
Have you noticed the media? It's all about the story with no help to the folks; even when they ask.
L
This afternoon Shep Smith's whole show was about getting help to the folks on the highway. He used his soapbox and probably saved some lives.
BTTT!!!!!!
Didn't see it as Im stuck in a cubeicle.
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