Big Island Red Cross Volunteers Head to California

Two Hawai’i Red Cross volunteers from the Big Island and one volunteer from Oahu are traveling to California to assist the Red Cross response to the wildfires burning in Northern California.

The volunteers will participate in various volunteer efforts. One of the Big Island volunteers will assist in life safety and asset planning, while the other will assist with staffing services and the Oahu volunteer will provide support in health services.

Recent massive wildfires continue to burn and thousands of residents have been unable to return to their homes.

The Red Cross is assisting with shelter, food, and relief supplies for evacuees, along with the help of health service workers who are helping to replace prescription medications.

According to the Red Cross, more than 1,200 people accessed help, information, water, showers, and support at both Red Cross and community shelters on Wednesday.

Along with physical support, the Red Cross is providing mental health volunteers to assist with individuals who are emotionally drained by the uncertainty of whether or not they will be able to return to their homes.

Over 800 homes have been destroyed and 13,000 homes are currently being threatened.

The Red Cross says that as of Thursday, 250 Red Cross workers have served a total of 25,000 meals and snack, supported 4,200 overnight stays in shelters, and provided more than 1,800 health and mental health contacts.

Those interested in helping can donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief fund by visiting the Red Cross website, calling 1-800-RED CROSS, or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.