Central Coast Red Cross to send Volunteers to Florida

The Central Coast chapter of the American Red Cross is preparing to send volunteers down to Florida for Hurricane Michael. Two of their volunteers have already been sent to provide relief, but they said more may be needed in the coming weeks.

The chapter was recently given a new emergency response vehicle. CEO of the Central Coast chapter, Michele Averill, said the money for it was raised solely through fundraising. She said it is one of two in the entire region. They plan to drive it down to Florida if need be.

“As these emergency response vehicles pull up and people see them and they see the red cross sign on the side of one of our trucks they say, ‘I’ve been given hope again.’ To me that’s what makes it all worth it and I think our volunteers feel the exact same way,” said Averill.

The “ERV” carries just about everything a disaster relief team would need, such as blankets, first aid kits, utensils, and space to serve up hot meals.

Volunteer Tom Wiley said he drove one just like it while volunteering for Hurricane Florence. “My partner coined it as the love boat because there were so many hugs,” said Wiley.

To learn more about making donations visit, redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.