Red Cross Aid Still Available for Tornado Impacted Residents

Red Cross emergency response vehicle canvasses the area in front of South Lincoln Elementary School to provide mobile feeding to affected residents last week.

More Than 100 Volunteers Assist With Relief Efforts

Over the past week, the Tennessee Volunteer Region of the America Red Cross has mobilized more than 100 volunteers and continues to work to meet immediate emergency needs for those who have been affected by the tornado ravaged areas in Lincoln County.

“The Red Cross is very appreciative of our community partners such as Goodwill Industries and all of the other local churches and community organizations that have partnered with us to help meet the emergency needs of the residents who were devastated by this tornado,” said Heart of Tennessee Chapter Executive, Mike Cowles.  “We’re all working together in this relief effort and it has truly been collaboration.” 

Red Cross volunteers have completed damage assessment of storm-affected areas in the community and will continue working in Lincoln County this week to help meet emergency needs. Red Cross workers will be available by phone at (615) 879-3006 or (615) 893-4272 for anyone who still needs assistance.

During the past six days, the Tennessee Volunteer Region has worked to serve over 4,440 meals and snacks to emergency workers and those affected by the tornadoes. More than 4,800 individual clean-up items such as rakes, shovels, garbage bags, work gloves and other clean-up supplies have also been distributed throughout the impacted community. 

The Red Cross initially opened an emergency shelter and also had several locations in the community that were open last week and over the weekend for people to receive first aid assistance, meals and snacks and to pick up clean-up supplies and other relief items. The Red Cross also opened a Multi-Agency Resource Center, where affected residents met with representatives of various organizations who connected them with the resources they needed. 

HOW TO HELP:  Every year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters ranging from a home fire involving one family to larger disasters like hurricanes and wildfires that impact entire communities. If someone would like to help, they can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

 

 Bob Wallace speaks with homeowner Gail Sandmeyer who was in the basement when the tornado hit.