MINEOLA, N.Y., March 22, 2008 -- As flood waters continue to devastate communities throughout the U.S. Midwest, the American Red Cross in Nassau County is asking its volunteers to be ready to assist.
So far, the local chapter has only been asked to deploy one volunteer, Princess Simmons, of Uniondale. Simmons has been assigned to operations in St. Louis, Mo., for 2-3 weeks.
Typically, disasters are handled by the Red Cross at a local level until a situation becomes too large. There are over 700 Red Cross chapters, and millions of volunteers, throughout the country -- all prepared to lend assistance when needed.
Yet to provide relief to those affected by disaster, the American Red Cross must rely on the generosity of individual donors. Long Islanders wishing to help are encouraged to contribute to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. To donate, call 1-800-REDCROSS or make a secure, online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
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