This week, Red Cross disaster volunteers in Dougherty County helped to assess tornado damage to homes and identify families with emergency needs. The distribution of clean-up kits in affected communities through mobile outreach began today and will continue through the weekend. More than 160 Red Cross volunteers and staff from Georgia have helped to provide shelter, food, emergency assistance, supplies and hope to neighbors in need across South Georgia since January 22nd.

During his tour of recent tornado damage in Georgia, Governor Nathan Deal spoke with Terri Jenkins, Executive Director of the American Red Cross of South Georgia at the Cook County Airport, Adel, where he expressed his appreciation for all emergency workers helping those in need.

The Albany Civic Center, 100 W. Oglethorpe Blvd. Albany, GA 31701, in the heart of downtown Albany served as the home away from home for 88 residents affected by severe storms and tornadoes overnight. The American Red Cross immediately opened the shelter, with residents arriving by bus as many of their vehicles were damaged in the storms. Red Cross and its partners have served more than 5,300 meals 8,491 snacks, and provided nearly 262 overnight stays in shelters.

Beginning Sunday January 28th, Red Cross Partners, Hope Animal Assisted Crisis Response, will provide emotional support and comfort for disaster survivors. Some residents prefer to talk to the animals about how they were affected and feel safer sharing their pain with the pets than with others. These trained therapy dogs offer unconditional love and a sense of normalcy. With the dogs’ help residents can receive referrals to Red Cross mental health volunteers for additional support.

For the latest information about Red Cross services in Georgia, call 229-436-4845, follow us on Facebook @ARCSWGA or visit www.redcross.org/georgia.

HOW YOU CAN HELP All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible through the generosity of the community. The Red Cross depends on the generous support of the American public to assist people affected by disasters. If you would like to help, please consider making a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donors can designate their donation to the Southern Tornadoes and Storms relief efforts by choosing that option when donating. Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.