American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

Red Cross Supporting North Minneapolis Super Saturday Volunteer Clean Up Day

June 3, 2011 – The Red Cross will support more than two thousand volunteers who will be participating in the June 4 tornado clean up day being organized by the City of Minneapolis.

More than 40 Red Cross disaster relief workers and 5 Red Cross emergency response vehicles will be providing 2400 lunches and dinners for clean-up crews and people directly affected by the May 22 tornado.

In addition, the Red Cross will have available several thousand work gloves, bandage packs, and bottles of sunscreen and hand sanitizer for the clean up day volunteers.

“This Saturday thousands of people will be showing that they care about the devastating disaster that turned hundreds of lives upside down,” says Phil Hansen, American Red Cross Minneapolis Region. “The Red Cross is proud to be part of the team providing help in this effort.”

During the 12 days following the May 22 Minneapolis tornado, the Red Cross has provided immediate emergency disaster relief services, including feeding, sheltering, health services, mental health services, resource referrals, and long-term recovery planning.

Since May 22 in Minneapolis, the American Red Cross has…
• Served more than 100,000 meals and snacks
• Distributed 1322 comfort kits
• Made 855 medical services contacts
• Provided 564 mental health consultations
• Hosted 702 overnight shelter stays
• Deployed 6 mobile feeding and bulk distribution trucks
• Provided more than 300 trained disaster relief workers

American Red Cross Continues to Support Area Shelters for Displaced Residents

Volunteers from the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter continue to support families and individuals displaced from yesterday’s storm.

Disaster action team members are working throughout the community assisting residents and first responders affected by Wednesday’s tornadoes.

MassMutual Center generously provided immediate space to displaced residents, providing a welcoming environment in the early aftermath of the disaster until the shelter could be transitioned to a new site in Springfield. We are deeply grateful for their hospitality. Currently clients are now located at the Greenleave Community Center in Springfield where 200 residents continue to be provided with shelter, food and emotional support. An additional Red Cross Shelter is currently being opened at Central High School for other residents in need.

Red Cross is also managing a shelter at the Quarry Hill School in Monson where 30 displaced residents are receiving assistance.

Read More >>

American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter Responding to Assist the Community Around the Rash of Tornadoes and Storms

The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter has disaster action team volunteers throughout the community assisting residents and first responders affected by Wednesday’s tornadoes.

MassMutual Center in Springfield was set up as an emergency shelter for residents who were displaced. Nearly 400 residents sought refuge in the aftermath of the storm with nearly 200 staying overnight. Red Cross volunteers are providing food, beverage and emotional support. The shelter at the MassMutual Center will likely transition to a new location mid-day on Thursday.

Volunteers also managed a shelter which served 35 residents at the Quarry Hill School in Monson.

Red Cross was also available to provide support to other community shelters including the Birchland Park Middle School in East Longmeadow; the West Springfield Middle School and Converse Middle School in Palmer. More than 50 residents from area towns were served in the immediate aftermath.

Support was also provided to nearly 300 emergency responders throughout the Pioneer Valley at the Command Center on Maple Street in Springfield; the Monson Emergency Management team; the West Springfield Emergency Operations Center and the State Police Barracks in Springfield.

As of 4:30am more than 50 Pioneer Valley Chapter volunteers and newly recruited spontaneous volunteers had assisted area residents and emergency responders throughout the region providing food, shelter and emotional support.

Disaster teams began damage assessment activities as well and will continue on Thursday.

“This has been an extraordinary response effort that we expect will continue for days to come,” said Paige Thayer, deputy director of chapter support for the American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter. “We have a terrific team of volunteers who will continue to provide relief services to those in need.”

Individuals interested in volunteering must present in person at the Pioneer Valley Chapter headquarters at 506 Cottage Street in Springfield starting at 9am on Thursday morning, June 2. Volunteer candidates will be required to fill out an application, be screened for interest and available opportunities, and complete a background check.

Read More >>