By Carl Manning, American Red Cross

The American Red Cross can do a lot to help those affected by disaster, but it is most effective when working closely with community partners. That’s why having partners like Southern Baptist Disaster Relief of Missouri is so important.

This became evident after a tornado struck portions of St. Louis the afternoon of May 16, leaving many displaced from their homes and needing to go to a Red Cross shelter, where they were provided a safe, clean place to stay.

As the recovery continued, one thing the Red Cross needed at one shelter was a place for residents to shower and wash their clothes. To meet that need, the Southern Baptist Association sent one of its shower and laundry trailers to St. Louis, along with their volunteers who operated it outside the shelter building for the benefit of the tornado survivors.

“That really helps us, and it makes our residents feel better,” said Red Cross shelter manager Dene Shaven. “Any little thing they can do in the way of comfort can bring the stress level down at a time when that is so necessary.”

Dene said having partners like Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is critical to the success of a disaster recovery operation.

“Our partners come up with ways to help out that are meaningful and necessary,” Dene said. “They are wonderful.”

Anthony Dunne is overseeing the Southern Baptist trailer that has two showers, one of which is handicapped accessible. The trailer also has two washers and two dryers for clothes.

Anthony has volunteered with the disaster relief group for 11 years and said he felt a calling to help others.

“It’s a way to show God’s love in a time of need, and it’s a way to help those who are in need of help,” he said.

Each day, everyone staying at the shelter can get two outfits washed and dried with the clothes folded, placed in a bag, and delivered to them at their cot in the shelter.

“These people went through a terrible trauma, and that’s why they are here,” Anthony said. “Anything we can do to make life a little easier for them is the least we can do. We are here to please.”

Shelter residents can also shower each day with soap, shampoo, wash cloth and towel provided. Anthony said they can shower for as long as they want, and it is often much-needed private time for someone living with dozens of others in one large room.

“Once a day, they get a chance to feel the joy of privacy and a chance to rejuvenate. It can mean the world to them,” he said.