American Red Cross disaster responders from Kentucky are assisting Helene-ravaged communities in states south of the Commonwealth. There is still a need for additional volunteers.
So far, a dozen volunteers from different parts of Kentucky, have been deployed to Georgia, the Carolinas, and Florida. Lynne Washbish is executive director of the Red Cross Bluegrass Chapter. She said the training prepares volunteers to offer various forms of assistance.
“They’re trained in disaster response, so they could be feeding, they could be sheltering, they could be doing mass care. Just depends on what their expertise is,” said Washbish.
Washbish noted those interested in volunteering can contact the Lexington Red Cross Office. She added the overall need would likely be lengthy. Washbish said there’s no way to put a timeline on the need for volunteer assistance.
“It’s gonna take a long time to clean this up. At this point right now they’re estimating this at being over 30 billion dollars in disaster and it’s gonna take us a long time. And we’ll be there to help them until the end,” said Washbish.
The Red Cross training is administered online. In addition to volunteers, Washbish said another important way to help is through financial donations.
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