 Red Cross Deploys Seven Disaster Volunteers to Assist with Flood Recovery Efforts in Central Indiana
Local Red Cross volunteers will help with sheltering and disaster assessments
***Red Cross disaster volunteers will be available for media interviews
on Sunday, June 8, at Chapter headquarters from 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.***
St. Louis, Saturday, June 7, 2008 – The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter is sending the following seven disaster volunteers to assist the Red Cross Chapter in Indianapolis with sheltering and disaster assessments: Jack Riegel, of St. Louis, Mo.; Gary Ogle, of DeSoto, Mo.; Robert Vinluan, of Imperial, Mo.; Walter Wallheimer, of Caseyville, Ill.; Donald Brozovich, of Overland, Mo.; Larry Fleming, of Swansea, Ill.; and Charlie Meyer, of Arnold. Mo. These individuals are trained Red Cross Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) volunteers who respond to national disasters throughout the country. They will be leaving tomorrow for a two- to three-week assignment.
Severe storms hit central Indiana, producing more than 10 inches of rain. Problems with flooding are threatening dams and closing highways due to high water. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has declared a state of emergency in 10 counties. The Coast Guard has been called in from the Great Lakes to help with rescue efforts. Hundreds of people have been forced from their homes because of the massive flooding.
About Red Cross Emergency Services:
The American Red Cross provides immediate assistance with shelter, food, emotional support and emergency supplies as needed in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a wide range of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of volunteers who give freely of their time.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, emergency services or a variety of other programs provided by the organization, please call 314.516.2800, or log on to the St. Louis Area Chapter’s website at www.redcrossstl.org.
About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter celebrates 91 years of dedicated service, providing emergency relief and preparedness training more than 446,600 times each year. The Red Cross is a charity, not a government agency, and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois. All disaster relief services are provided free of charge thanks to the generosity of the American people. To learn more about Red Cross programs, volunteer opportunities, and how you can help, contact the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2800 or www.redcrossstl.org. |