Red Cross crews head to communities impacted by Debby
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Much-needed assistance is on the way to communities impacted by Tropical Storm Debby.
Red Cross volunteers were very active Friday, loading up a caravan of trailers and vans with supplies and meals.
The Red Cross building in Augusta is serving as a central location where volunteers are meeting to figure out where to go next.
Currently, there are around a dozen Red Cross shelters spread out across Georgia and South Carolina.
State and local leaders say their efforts and sacrifices are commendable.
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“It just does your heart well to see these folks who are willing their time to help others,” said Congressman Rick Allen.
Augusta Mayor Garnett Johnson said: “Seeing the prepared meals, lunches and dinners for families that no longer have power or the ability to cook food is just an amazing sight to see.”
Katie Zwerk, Red Cross communications director, was in Savannah and Bulloch County on Wednesday.
She says about 140 people are staying at the Georgia shelters.
“We want to give people hope and help. A lot of volunteers are there giving hugs, comfort, care to these residents. Obviously, a safe place to stay and meals,” said Zwerk.
More than 800 volunteers are moving up and down the coast delivering aid, including Michael Pritchard and his service dog, Leo, who also serves as a therapy dog for everyone else.
He started volunteering after Red Cross volunteers came out to help his community which was experiencing wildfires four years ago.
Tornadoes spawned by Tropical Storm Debby rip through North Carolina
The storm also dropped heavy rain and flooded communities across North and South Carolina.
“I like getting to a disaster early where the locals are still there because I was a local, and it’s nice to be able to give back because it’s exhausting. I don’t think people really how exhausting it can be especially when it’s your own reason because it’s people you know and it’s your own community,” said Pritchard.
Giving back is why so many volunteers decide to help.
You can help by donating financially, donating blood, and of course volunteering. 90% of their workforce are volunteers.
For more information, visit https://www.redcross.org/.
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