Newark man will help California fire victims

With the wildfires still escalating, Red Cross supplies and volunteers are en route to Southern California by the thousands.

More than 500 American Red Cross workers have been there since Sunday, and Red Cross is expanding services rapidly as the needs change and escalate.

Here's what the Red Cross has on the way:

• 25,000 cots and 50,000 blankets; 50,000 pre-packaged meals; 25,000 comfort kits filled with toiletry items; 75 mobile feeding trucks and two Southern Baptist Kitchens
• 1000 shelter workers; 1000 workers to help with feeding, distribution of supplies, mental health and first aid support

More than 7,000 people from Southern California spent Tuesday at 14 Red Cross shelters in safe areas outside of their threatened neighborhoods. They found Red Cross workers providing a safe place to sleep, a hot meal and access to information.

Newark resident and Red Cross Board member David Carr left from the Greater Rochester International airport Wednesday morning, headed to San Diego.

Carr will be initially be involved in the bulk distribution of food, water, clean up kits, etc. to effected neighborhoods located in Southern California. Love also stated that once the fires are under control, Mr. Carr will be a member of a disaster assessment team that will evaluate the damage caused by the fires.

Carr will be deployed for a minimum of three weeks. James Love said the Wayne Chapter is making plans to deploy more volunteers as the needs of the evacuees escalate.

For information on the American Red Cross, or to become a disaster volunteer, call the Wayne County Chapter, 331.3783.

Red Cross mental health counselors are on site to help clients manage the stress and fear that accompanies all disasters. The Red Cross continues to distribute water and food to firefighters and emergency workers in the affected areas as they work to battle the blazes and safeguard residents. The County Chapter is supporting these efforts by deploying volunteers to Southern California.

Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org

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