Red Cross volunteers head for disaster area

American Red Cross disaster relief operations in response to Hurricane Katrina continue to expand in the Gulf Coast states and around the country. According to a press release, more than 4,200 Red Cross disaster workers from across America have been deployed to the affected area, with 614 coming from the Northeast.

In addition, thousands of Red Cross workers in local chapters are training new volunteers, processing donations and answering phone calls. The Jersey Coast Chapter will be training more than 100 volunteers, this week, who want to become disaster volunteers to assist the victims and evacuees. The classes are now at capacity and additional training will be announced later this week.

The Jersey Coast Chapter, based in Tinton Falls, has deployed seven volunteers to help assist the disaster victims and evacuees. Phyllis Stern, Brick, and Jane Keeley, Toms River, have been in Louisiana since Aug. 28; Beckie Burlew, Neptune, and Al Figueroa, Howell, have been in Alabama since Aug. 30; Alvin Benedetti, Brick, was deployed to Alabama on Aug. 31; and Augustine O’Neill, Eatontown, and Carl Carino, Whiting, were sent to Texas on Sept. 3. In addition, the chapter is one of nine Disaster Field Supply Centers in the continental United States and sent seven tractor trailers of much needed disaster supplies to the affected region, according to the press release.

Approximately 75,000 people have now registered on the Red Cross Family Links Registry, a Web site and hot line assisting family members seeking news about loved ones living in the path of Hurricane Katrina. Evacuees wishing to inform loved ones of their location can register their name by clicking on Family Links Registry on www.redcross.org. Concerned family members can register the names of their loved ones and view the list of those already posted.

Due to the extent of the damage and the number of people displaced, concerned friends and family members are encouraged to visit the site daily to consult the list, as it will be updated continuously. Interested persons may visit the Family Links Registry or call 1-877-LOVED 1S (1-877-568-3317) to register.

To date, $302 million has been donated to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. To make a contribution call 1-800 HELP NOW or www.redcross.org.