The Red Cross of South Carolina has moved into the disaster assessment phase of relief efforts after Hurricane Helene ripped through the Palmetto State, toppling trees, damaging homes and downing power lines.

Red Cross volunteers Cheri Lundblad, Ann Woodside and Kim Skunza recently spent the day taking photos and recording details of damaged homes in Spartanburg neighborhoods.

Skunza, a local volunteer from Greenville, said she enjoys the work because it’s “contributing forward,” and helping people on the road to recovery after such a devastating storm.

Disaster assessment data collected by volunteers like Cheri, Ann and Kim is used by the Red Cross to continue to connect people affected by the storm with recovery resources, including financial assistance.

Woodside, who came to volunteer for the day from Rock Hill, said it’s incredible to see massive, old growth trees uprooted in neighborhood after neighborhood. She’s seen some where the tree missed a house by inches when it fell. Yet others crashed through a home ‘like a knife through butter.’

“This [disaster assessment] is letting people know the Red Cross is here for them,” said Woodside. “I like being out and about, and visible in neighborhoods, this way people know the Red Cross is here and ready to support.”

Recovery from this storm will be a long process, and the Red Cross stands ready to help South Carolina residents get back on their feet in the weeks and months to come. If you need disaster assistance, please visit RedCross.org/Helene or call 1-800-RED CROSS.