Wednesday, June 25, 2008 — David Bridgeman has called Gulfport, Iowa, home since he was seven years old.  “I like the close knit community,” said Bridgman. “Everyone knows everyone and we look out for each other.”

Nonetheless, that fondness for the little town on the banks of the Mississippi River in southeast Iowa didn’t blind Bridgeman, 54, to the risks.

So when officials called for an evacuation, Bridgman got out before floodwaters reached his home.  He checked into the Red Cross shelter at West Burlington High School in Burlington, Iowa.

Time moved slowly as he waited for word on the fate of his home.  “I’m sure it’s under water, but not knowing is tough.”

In the meantime, Red Cross disaster volunteers from Burlington and across Des Moines County were making sure he and fellow evacuees were comfortable.  Workers served warm meals three times a day and dished out lots of hugs.  “I appreciate the Red Cross.  The volunteers are making sure I’m getting what I need,” Bridgman said.

This isn’t Bridgeman’s first experience with the generosity of the American people.  The Red Cross helped his family during the Iowa floods of 1965.  “I’m appreciative of the Red Cross for what they did then, and what they’re doing now,” he said.

Trained volunteers from across the country have been helping workers from Iowa Red Cross chapters as they shelter and feed evacuees, provide emotional support and give out clean up supplies. They also meet with individuals and families from places like Bridgeman’s beloved Gulfport to talk about meeting their emergency needs.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.