TEMPLE, TEXAS — It’s a historical year for the American Red Cross. They say in their over 100 of operations, they’ve never provided hurricane relief during a pandemic.
”We have less options for sheltering," AJ Renold, Executive Director of the Red Cross, Heart of Texas Division said. “Then with volunteers, volunteer availability kind of varies everyday depending if someone has been exposed to COVID.”
The Red Cross says only 30% of their volunteer force will be on-site.
”If we’re able to do it over the phone, or via Skype or Facetime, we’re going to do that if we can,” Renold said.
Local nonprofits plan to work hand-in-hand to contribute support.
”It takes an army to effectively and properly address and manage a problem like we’re going into with these two [storms],” Lieutenant David Beckham, Lieutenant of the Salvation Army said.
The Salvation Army plans to go beyond helping just physically.
”We’re also ready to meet the needs of the community with their emotional and spiritual needs as well,” Lt. Beckham said.
The upcoming forecast doesn’t intimidate them.
”Bottom line,” Renold said sternly. “The Red Cross for over 100 years has stepped up in the face of disaster and will continue to do that.”
Both the Salvation Army and Red Cross are urging people to get involved when it comes to helping our neighbors impacted by the hurricane.
