The American Red Cross of Wisconsin deployed volunteers to assist individuals in need in the aftermath of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. (Photo courtesy: American Red Cross of Wisconsin)
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Relief efforts continue across much of the southeastern United States after the region was ravaged by back-to-back hurricanes, Helene and Milton.
The American Red Cross of Wisconsin is just one of countless agencies who have deployed volunteers to the hurricane-stricken areas to assist individuals in need in the aftermath of the tragedies.
Mary Jane Thomsen, executive director of the Red Cross’s Northwest Wisconsin Chapter, said as of Tuesday night, more than 2,000 people were still staying in emergency shelters across affected states.
“Red Crossers, alongside our partners, are providing food, shelter, supplies and a shoulder to lean on,” said Thomsen. “The work isn’t close to being done. Red Cross is there, will be there, to support those in need as they recover in the weeks and months to come.
Thomsen said 58 volunteers and three emergency response vehicles from Wisconsin are currently deployed to Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee.
The Red Cross has been working to provide hot meals, snacks, water and relief supplies to individuals in need. They are also assisting in reunification efforts and providing things like laundry stations, showers, charging stations, free WiFi, generators, propane tanks and warm weather gear.
Rebecca Rockhill, executive director of the Red Cross’s Northeast Wisconsin chapter, based in Green Bay, is currently deployed in the northwest corner of North Carolina, in the Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains region. She shared her experiences helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
“The resiliency and cooperation that we see in these communities is really something that I’ve never experienced before. Neighbors helping neighbors and people responding to anyone who is in need. It’s really quite incredible,” Rockhill said. “It’s been immensely rewarding to be here and be a part of these efforts. It’s just, I’m so proud to be a Red Crosser right now.”
Jane Nesbitt, a community volunteer leader from Sturgeon Bay who is also a registered nurse, was deployed to Florida ahead of Hurricane Milton. She said the hurricanes weren’t the only natural disasters that ripped through Florida.
“The tornado barrage that happened… within a couple of hours, they were confirming 100 and some tornadoes that touched down,” Nesbitt said. “There is mass damage and disaster needs over in the eastern portion of Florida from the tornados that all came through when the hurricanes came through.”
Red Cross officials say if you’d like to support recovery efforts, you can make a financial donation, volunteer your time or donate blood. Click here for more information.
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