REPORT FROM THE HAWAII RED CROSS – Four additional Oahu Red Cross volunteers are being deployed to the East Coast to help victims of Superstorm Sandy, bringing the total number of Hawaii Red Cross volunteers to be deployed to 19. Three volunteers will be assisting in New York in various roles and the other will be assisting in New Jersey.
“People here in Hawaii keep asking how they can help. The best way is to make a financial donation. We are so grateful for the generosity from people in our islands who want to share their aloha and compassion to those affected by Sandy. Please donate so that we can help those in need,” said Coralie Chun Matayoshi, CEO, American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter.
RELIEF RESPONSE The Red Cross has mobilized the full resources of the organization to help people affected by Sandy. The entire fleet of response vehicles is activated and more than 5,400 disaster workers are supporting shelters, providing people with food and water and driving through neighborhoods to hand out food and supplies. To date, the Red Cross has served more than 1.6 million meals and snacks, provided more than 57,200 overnight stays, distributed more than 91,600 relief items and provided more than 23,900 health services and emotional support contacts.
Weather experts predict the Nor’Easter will bring heavy rain, strong winds and snow Wednesday and Thursday to the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, along with cold temperatures and the possibility of new power outages. Many areas already affected by Superstorm Sandy could be impacted by this new storm.
The Red Cross has sent thousands of blankets and hand warmers to New York and New Jersey, and will be supporting some warming centers in the area. Those who need a safe place to go during the new storm are encouraged to come to a Red Cross shelter. In New York City, people can call 3-1-1 or visit www.nyc.gov for a list of both day and night-time warming centers. It’s important for people to check on their neighbors, share what they have and take care of each other as this new storm approaches.
HOW TO HELP
To donate, visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. People can also use the “donate” feature on the free Red Cross Apps to support the Red Cross relief response. Contributions may also be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013 or to the American Red Cross – Hawaii State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816.