Red Cross volunteer Martha Narvaez entertains Serenity, age two, at the Red Cross Evacuation Shelter in Clearwater, Fl. Anxiety was growing for Imani Miley, Serenity's mom, as Hurricane Ian approached their home in St. Petersburg. She experienced Hurricane Irma just a few years ago, but that was before she had the added responsibility of a young daughter. She was relieved when her friend called and told her about the evacuation shelter at the Ross Norton Community Center. "They're really nice here," said Miley pointing towards Martha Narvaez with a smile. "I can appreciate this." Narvaez later revealed that she was the one who found the new doll for Serenity. "I was in logistics in the Army for 27years," Narvaez said, "and I know about "getting stuff" for people. They are so grateful and I'm just glad that we can help. It's why I love being a Red Cross volunteer."
Photo by Marko Kokic/American Red Cross
Some 13,000 people spent Tuesday night in hundreds of American Red Cross and partner evacuation shelters across Florida to escape Hurricane Ian. The extremely dangerous Category 4 storm is making landfall today in Southwest Florida, bringing catastrophic winds, storm surge and flooding. Our top priority during this time is providing comfort and support to shelter residents as they face this historic storm and the challenges and uncertainties it brings with it.
Floridians can find information on open Red Cross shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). Download the app by searching “American Red Cross” in your app store or by going to redcross.org/apps.You can also find shelters at floridadisaster.org, follow your local county and city officials on social media or monitor local news for information on where to find emergency shelter.
YOU CAN HELP people affected by Hurricane Ian. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. To help people affected by Hurricane Ian, visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word IAN to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
The Red Cross is grateful for your generous gift to support people affected by Hurricane Ian. The humanitarian efforts of the Red Cross provide comfort and hope to many in their time of need. On behalf of those we serve, thank you.
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