News Archives 2003

Oregon Red Cross Volunteers Leave For
Tornado-Ravaged Midwest

PORTLAND, Ore.—May 5, 2003—Fifteen trained Red Cross volunteers from Oregon will be leaving for Missouri to provide disaster relief to individuals and families affected by tornadoes.

This morning, disaster services human resources specialist Jennie Sprouse received requests for volunteers specializing in a wide range of disaster relief functions. The American Red Cross made a plea for more than 360 volunteers to help in Missouri, more than 60 volunteers to go to Western Tennessee and more than 60 volunteers to assist in Eastern Kansas. By Monday afternoon, all vacancies were filled by Red Cross volunteers from across the United States, including 15 from Oregon.

Iris Newhouse, an Oregon Trail Chapter volunteer for more than 18 years, will be leaving for her 87th disaster. Having just returned from a disaster assignment in Mississippi at 11:00pm on Saturday night, she will be heading back to Portland International Airport at 6:15am Tuesday morning.

When asked about the hectic schedule of a Red Cross volunteer who specializes in three functions, Newhouse replied, “I don’t mind. I just wish I had an opportunity to go to Tennessee to help. Volunteering for the Red Cross has taken me to 37 states and I have already been to a disaster in Missouri. But that is where the most help is needed right now so I am ready to go.”
Newhouse is trained in records and reports, administration and family service coordination. There are more than twelve functions areas that Red Cross volunteers can get training. To become a volunteer or support Red Cross services with a charitable contribution, call (503) 284-1234.

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2003 Archives

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American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.PrepareOregon.org