Red Cross Volunteers Respond to CA Storms

San Jose, CA – February 24, 2017 — The American Red Cross has a major effort underway to hand out relief supplies while continuing to provide meals, shelter and comfort to people throughout the Silicon Valley affected by the recent rains, high winds and flooding that have struck the state.

“Red Cross volunteers are loading trucks and traveling to affected neighborhoods with food and cleanup supplies. We are doing whatever we can to support families who need help,” said Trevor Riggen, Chief Executive Officer for the American Red Cross Northern California Coastal Region. “We understand that people are living in very tough conditions and we are doing everything possible to assist them during this difficult time.”

Throughout neighborhoods devastated by flooding, Red Cross volunteers are handing out relief supplies such as cleaning, hygiene and comfort items; shovels, rakes, tarps, as well as sandwiches, heater meals, water and snacks. They will be in neighborhoods deemed by officials in San Jose as cleared for residents to return home. Evacuees who see the Red Cross vehicles are encouraged to avail themselves of the relief supplies provided through the generosity of donors.

Red Cross relief efforts in response to winter storms throughout California has been massive. Over the last week, the Red Cross has:

Opened 25 shelters,
Provided overnight stays for over 6,300 evacuated residents,
Provided nearly 28,000 meals and snacks,
And with more than 900 volunteers, Red Cross has heeded the call to serve.

HOW TO HELP Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word CAFLOODS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. They can also use the “donate” feature on the free Red Cross Apps for mobile devices to support this relief response. Contributions may also be sent to local Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross,P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.