Monday, July 21, 2014 –
The American Red Cross in Colorado is responding to the devastating wildfires in eastern Washington that have forced the evacuation of hundreds of people and destroyed hundreds of homes.
Dana Goldsmith from the Pikes Peak Chapter will travel to Wenatchee, Wash., to provide support for Red Cross Staff Services. Goldsmith has been a Red Cross volunteer for 14 months. She began her volunteering with the Pikes Peak Chapter in June 2013 at the beginning of the Black Forest Fire response. “I know that the people in eastern Washington are suffering,” Goldsmith said. “Some of their volunteers helped us during the Black Forest Fire so I am excited that I will be able to help them get through this disaster.”
Les Orser from the Western Colorado Chapter in Grand Junction will travel to Wenatchee, Wash., to support the Disaster Mental Health team as they work with individuals and families during this difficult time. Orser has been a volunteer with the Red Cross since 2012. This will be his 11th disaster deployment one of which was the recent mudslide near Oso, Wash. He has served in a variety of capacities as a Red Cross volunteer and will bring a wealth of experience to the disaster response.
“Deploying to a disaster is never easy,” said Gino Greco, CEO for the Colorado & Wyoming Region. “We are proud that our volunteers have stepped up to help.”
Typical disaster deployment is 14 to 21 days depending on the needs of the disaster and the availability of the volunteer.
About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org/colorado, or join our blog at http://coloradoredcross.blogspot.com.