Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
RENO, Nev. (March 30, 2023) — An American Red Cross of Northern Nevada veteran volunteer will deploy to Mississippi on Friday, becoming the first volunteer from the state to join the more than 400 trained Red Cross disaster relief workers from across the country helping those in need after devastating tornadoes.
“The American Red Cross and our partners are working around the clock in Mississippi to help those in need,” said Danel Lipparelli, who will be deployed as a volunteer to manage mental health, health services and spiritual care services. “We want to help make sure everyone impacted by the tornadoes has a safe place to stay, food to eat, critical relief supplies, emotional support, and comfort.”
In Mississippi, early estimates report as many as 2,000 structures have been destroyed or received major damage. The Red Cross is helping those affected now and will be supporting them in the days and weeks to come as they plan their next steps. “Working with partners in several states, we have provided nearly 50,000 meals and are distributing relief supplies where possible in the affected communities,” said Mary Powell, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Nevada Chapter. “I’m proud of Danel and all staff and volunteers who respond at a moment’s notice to help those in need.”
Lipparelli, a Reno resident, has been a Red Cross volunteer for more than 15 years and has deployed to some of the country’s most devastating events, like the aftermath of hurricanes Katrina in New Orleans, Harvey in Houston, and Maria in Puerto Rico, as well as the Harvest Music Festival mass shooting in Vegas, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re helping people on what is the worst day of their lives. Many have lost everything and don’t know where to turn,” she said. “I am glad that I and other Red Cross volunteers can be there to help them feel safe and provide the support they so desperately need during a disaster.”
You can help
Make a gift to American 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 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
Local disaster volunteers needed
Red Cross volunteers can deploy across the country to help people in crisis, but local disasters happen much more often. Northern and Rural Nevada Disaster Action Teams need more volunteers to help when a home fire or other disaster strikes in our communities. Learn more at redcross.org/DAT.
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.