MINEOLA, N.Y., Sept. 25, 2009 -- Flood waters have devastated areas of the Southeast and hundreds have looked to the American Red Cross and its volunteers for shelter. Joining the effort this weekend will be two volunteers from the Nassau Red Cross: Stephanie Braganza of Westbury and Princess Simmons of Uniondale.

Over the past week, the Red Cross has opened seven shelters which have housed nearly 700 displaced residents in Georgia and Tennessee. The Red Cross already has more than 200 volunteers and staff in the area with more on standby. Besides safe shelter, cleaning supplies and comfort kits are being distributed and thousands of meals have been served to those affected by the flooding. Officials say early estimates show as many as 3,000 homes may be affected with damages estimated at $250 million.

Long Islanders can help people affected by disasters, like the current floods, by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcross.org.

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