MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — Hurricane Michael left a trail of devastation after making landfall in the Florida Panhandle a week ago.
Law enforcement officials and first responders are still working on clean up efforts while searching for thousands that are said to be missing or unaccounted for, according to Florida media outlets. The American Red Cross is reporting at least 15 volunteers from across West Virginia have been sent to Florida to aid in recovery efforts.
American Red Cross Northeast West Virginia chapter Executive Director Jason Keeling tells WEPM News that three volunteers in that group live in the Eastern Panhandle. He adds that the Red Cross is providing residents affected by the storm damage with access to power and shelter.
Those unable to volunteer on the ground can still make a positive impact.
“Donating blood can be extremely helpful,” said Keeling. “Another way people can help is by making a donation. Those donations allow us to actually put people on the ground in disaster areas.”
Keeling says people can locate the nearest blood drive by visiting redcrossblood.org or by downloading the “Red Cross Blood” app on Apple or Android devices.
Story by Elias McMillan