People in our region will volunteer to help out with the American Red Cross’s effort in Florida dealing with Hurricane Ian.Ten volunteers from the Red Cross of Northern New England will be helping in relief efforts, joining the thousands of volunteers converging on the southeastern part of the country. Joanne Russell, Ivy Computer’s payroll clerk, is being deployed on her first American Red Cross volunteer mission. She will most likely be sent to Florida this weekend.“My primary role will be as a shelter assistant,” Russell said. “So that’ll be as people arrive, I’ll check them in and help them get settled in whatever shelter is provided. Maybe serve meals do a lot of cleaning, I’m sure.”The Vermonter has a calling for volunteering and helping out people she’s never met.“So, after the last few disasters, I just felt like, I should do more than just throw money at stuff,” Russell said. “I signed up a year ago. And they gave me a list of jobs that they needed filled. And I matched it with the skill sets I thought I had.”The Red Cross is successful because of volunteers like Russell. “Eight volunteers from our region have deployed since Friday, joining hundreds of Red Crossers from across the nation. Our region and the broader Red Cross network stand ready to provide additional support to Florida and other areas as needed,” said Kevin Mazuzan, executive director of the Vermont Chapter of the American Red Cross.Officials already ordered 2.5 million people to evacuate the west-central part of the state before the Category 3 hurricane is expected to make landfall.“So, as we all brace for what’s to come from Hurricane Ian, our northern New England team is really represented quite proudly,” Mazuzan said. “And they are answering the call to help all those in need.”Russel will be given 24 hours’ notice before she is sent out. She’s waiting for the storm to make landfall. Her friends and family are supportive because they know she can make a difference.“I’m very, very nervous and really excited to be of help. I like to be of help,” Russell said.The Red Cross said the best way to get involved is to volunteer, give money or donate blood at your local blood donation sites.
People in our region will volunteer to help out with the American Red Cross’s effort in Florida dealing with Hurricane Ian.
Ten volunteers from the Red Cross of Northern New England will be helping in relief efforts, joining the thousands of volunteers converging on the southeastern part of the country.
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Joanne Russell, Ivy Computer’s payroll clerk, is being deployed on her first American Red Cross volunteer mission. She will most likely be sent to Florida this weekend.
“My primary role will be as a shelter assistant,” Russell said. “So that’ll be as people arrive, I’ll check them in and help them get settled in whatever shelter is provided. Maybe serve meals do a lot of cleaning, I’m sure.”
The Vermonter has a calling for volunteering and helping out people she’s never met.
“So, after the last few disasters, I just felt like, I should do more than just throw money at stuff,” Russell said. “I signed up a year ago. And they gave me a list of jobs that they needed filled. And I matched it with the skill sets I thought I had.”
The Red Cross is successful because of volunteers like Russell.
“Eight volunteers from our region have deployed since Friday, joining hundreds of Red Crossers from across the nation. Our region and the broader Red Cross network stand ready to provide additional support to Florida and other areas as needed,” said Kevin Mazuzan, executive director of the Vermont Chapter of the American Red Cross.
Officials already ordered 2.5 million people to evacuate the west-central part of the state before the Category 3 hurricane is expected to make landfall.
“So, as we all brace for what’s to come from Hurricane Ian, our northern New England team is really represented quite proudly,” Mazuzan said. “And they are answering the call to help all those in need.”
Russel will be given 24 hours’ notice before she is sent out. She’s waiting for the storm to make landfall. Her friends and family are supportive because they know she can make a difference.
“I’m very, very nervous and really excited to be of help. I like to be of help,” Russell said.
The Red Cross said the best way to get involved is to volunteer, give money or donate blood at your local blood donation sites.
