Louisiana Red Cross mobilizes to help Texas flood victims, urges volunteers to join effort

NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — As deadly floodwaters continue to devastate parts of Texas, the Louisiana Red Cross is stepping up to assist and calling on more volunteers to join the response.

More than 100 trained Red Cross volunteers have already been deployed to Texas, where they’re helping to staff shelters, distribute meals and support cleanup and reunification efforts in some of the hardest-hit areas.

“As soon as we knew the impact, as soon as we knew people were in trouble and needing assistance, we started to respond,” said Dr. Kenneth St. Charles, Regional Chief Executive Officer of the Louisiana Red Cross. “We opened shelters, we sent vehicles, just to see what we could do to help.”

Officials say the disaster response could stretch for weeks, even months. That’s why the Red Cross is encouraging people across Louisiana to get involved now whether through financial donations or volunteer work.

“The reality is, two weeks from now, a month from now, we’ll still be in Texas supporting these communities,” St. Charles said. “And many of the people impacted aren’t even Texas residents they were visitors from other states.”

Donations are critical to keeping relief operations going. Funds help cover shelter costs, emotional support services, cleanup supplies and hot meals for families in crisis.

For those who don’t want a more hands-on role, volunteering doesn’t necessarily mean heading to the front lines. The Red Cross says many support roles like supply coordination or call center assistance can be done remotely or from local standby positions.

“We may have an opportunity for you to be deployed to Texas,” St. Charles said. “Louisiana and Texas have a great relationship. We support each other because these disasters are becoming more frequent and there’s less time to prepare.”

To learn how to donate or sign up to volunteer, visit RedCross.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter.

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