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DMV-area Red Cross Volunteers Head Into the Storm
Residents in villages across California have been impacted by heavy rain and snow nearly every six days since December
WASHINGTON, DC, March 21, 2023—Families in small communities across California are bracing for yet another atmospheric river this week. The American Red Cross is already responding across the state, with more than 1,400 trained disaster workers assisting those forced from their homes and opening dozens of emergency shelters alongside partners. Ten local volunteers, including Deborah Lopez, are a part of the team supporting the massive relief efforts in California.
Deborah Lopez’s Story
Deborah Lopez, of Wilmington, DE, has been giving her time and compassion to Red Cross disaster relief efforts, as a volunteer, since 2013. But for Deborah, the current response in California hits especially close to home. Her son and daughter-in-law live in the Monterey, CA area. Although they have not yet been impacted, the next atmospheric river might force Deborah’s family members from their home.
The Red Cross has been helping in California since the atmospheric river onslaught began in late 2022.
“This week’s weather will be the 12th atmospheric river to hit California since late December,” said Dale Kunce, CEO for the Red Cross National Capital & Greater Chesapeake Region. “And these tragic events often impact vulnerable communities, small towns where people have no one and nowhere, other than the Red Cross, to turn to for help.”
The Red Cross and partners have provided more than 15,700 overnight stays for nearly 2,600 residents in over 100 emergency shelters. Nearly 100,00 meals and snacks have been served and, to date, more than 25,000 relief items including comfort kits and other supplies have been provided to people in close to 7,000 households.
You can help people affected by disasters like floods, fires and countless other crises by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767), or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation
On March 22, you can also join the annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.