Written by Helene Flaxbeard, American Red Cross Public Affairs

Making sure supplies are replenished at every American Red Cross shelter is a key component of providing disaster survivors with what they need each day. In the afternoon, shelter managers take inventory of their supplies and build their list of needs. Teams of volunteers in logistics gather that information and prepare for a delivery the next morning.

Red Cross responders Marjie, Paul, and Sydney had their routes planned and their list of what was needed for three shelters in Clearwater, Florida. 

“Almost anything we need at the shelter we will take care of,” Paul said. “If it’s something we don’t have we go shop for it. Find it wherever we can and get it to them.” 

The needs varied from food items, such as apples and oranges, to ketchup and mustard, to coffee creamer and cereal. Other items requested were additional blankets, hand soap, food serving gloves, cups, plates and trash bags. Newly purchased supplies are loaded on the truck with the supplies on hand and delivered to shelters. 

Once we had all the supplies needed were purchased, the first stop was at the Ross Norton Recreation Center Red Cross shelter. Red Cross shelter volunteers met the truck and unloaded their daily supplies. After double-checking the supplies, the truck headed for the next stop. 

Each shelter on the list was provided their daily supply needs, and each stop on the route was greeted by Red Crossers dedicated to ensuring everyone in the shelter has what they need for the day. It may seem like a simple task, but the coordination that goes into replenishing supplies is core to meeting people’s basic needs while in Red Cross care. Fulfillment teams are unsung heroes that keep the mission moving forward.