Story and Photos by Bill Fortune/American Red Cross
The latest generation of the Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) arrived at the Southeastern Colorado Chapter in Colorado Springs in early June. A brand new Mercedes Benz Sprinter that has been customized for Red Cross disaster response operations. The ERV was paid for through corporate, foundation and private donations.
The new ERV was quickly named “Hope” by the local chapter volunteers because of its primary mission to bring comfort and hope to people who have suffered from a disaster. Today, Hope, will embark on its maiden voyage as it deploys to far south Texas.
Two volunteers from the Southeastern Colorado Chapter climbed into the new ERV in an effort to bring hope to struggling people in far south Texas.
Jan McLellan (L) and her husband Dan LaForce stand ready to start their deployment to Texas. 
Jan and Dan ready to hit the road.
Jan McLellan and Her husband Dan LaForce were excited when they arrived to start their latest adventure, especially with the brand new ERV. “We had to rearrange some vacations and other commitments but we knew it was important to go,” Jan said as she tossed her suitcase into the ERV. Dan and Jan have been deployed as ERV drivers in the past and are experienced at handling the difficult job. “It is a lot of hard work”, according to Dan. “but, our biggest challenge will be the south Texas heat and humidity.”
Jan and Dan will be deployed to Harlingen, TX to respond to the serious flooding in that area. They will be deployed for a minimum of two weeks in their role as ERV drivers. While there they will use the ERV to deliver food and emergency cleanup supplies.
If you are interested in being part of the Red Cross as a volunteer and want to bring hope and help to those in need, join the American Red Cross by visiting our web site, www,redcross.org/volunteer.