Oregon Trail Chapter Latest News

PORTLAND, Ore. – August 29, 2005 – American National Red Cross continues to alert Red Cross chapters of the need for volunteers from the western region to assist those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

Four disaster response volunteers from the Oregon Trail Chapter are currently on the scene in various locations in Florida, with more to be deployed to the other states affected by the hurricane later today.

“Many of our local volunteers have not only experienced relief efforts after a hurricane – but many of them were actually in Florida when the hurricanes hit last year,” said Mary Loftin, executive director of the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. “So they are well trained to assist if needed.”

The Red Cross volunteers on the scene will provide disaster relief such as mass care and mental health services, as well as cash assistance for meals, shelter, clothing, diapers, clean up supplies and more.

Donations and offers to volunteer are being received at the Oregon Trail Chapter, and the total for both is increasing. A multiweek relief effort is expected to take place, and thousands of volunteers nationally will be needed. Last year's unprecedented hurricane season promoted donors in the Portland area to donate more than $255,000 to relief efforts, and more than 60 local Red Cross volunteers were sent to help with damage assessment, casework, feeding, logistics, nursing, communications, public affairs and more.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help those affected by Hurricane Katrina by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. To contribute to disaster relief efforts or volunteer, contact American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter by calling (503) 284-1234 or by logging on to the Oregon Trail website (redcross-pdx.org).

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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.redcross-pdx.org