MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Make-shift distribution sites outside flooded communities are being used to accept donations.
“If you’ve got a box truck full of supplies, that’s being received at Capital High School in Charleston. That’s a distribution point where they’re inventorying everything and getting everything out to the communities,” according to Carissa Collins, Executive Director for the America Red Cross of Northeast West Virginia.
Businesses donating pallets of items can arrange with Collins, [email protected], for delivery and drop off locations.
Less than a week into relief efforts, the American Red Cross had noted flexibility and efficiency among volunteers and donors.
“Volunteers that have signed up on volunteer connection are being processed and are being put to work. In face we have over 350 staff and volunteers working pretty much around the clock.”
With more West Virginians expected to sign up, Collins said it’s important for those interested to include times of availability and distance they are willing to travel.
Since deploying, volunteers have delivered 36,000 bulk items including things like diapers, cleaning supplies and water.
Work is being done face-to-face with a number of flood victims.
“We’ve had over 1,700 shelter stays. That is people spending that night at our shelter. We’ve served over 30,000 meals and snacks and many of them from our mobile feeding vehicles,” Collins added.
There are 20 trucks navigating crumbled roads and decimated communities to get to flood victims.
With belongings scattered and gone, the Red Cross has also provided comfort kits to those in need.
“Our comfort kits have things like sanitary items and hygiene items and basic necessities. We’ve distributed over 2,000. That number is going to be growing exponentially as well,” she predicted.
Health professionals who are volunteering had made 650 health and mental health contacts since Thursday, almost a week ago.
Collins said monetary donations to the Red Cross can be given online or text REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 to American Red Cross Disaster Relief