DETROIT (June 24, 2024) – A team of volunteers and  two disaster relief vehicles from the American Red  Cross Michigan Region are being deployed to assist with a Red Cross disaster relief operation in Northwest Iowa where heavy rainfall caused massive flooding.  

As of Monday, seven volunteers are being deployed and that number could increase as mobilization efforts continue in the coming days and weeks. Some  volunteers will assist in staffing six Red Cross emergency shelters, while others will deliver hot meals and supplies from disaster relief vehicles in communities impacted by flooding. One vehicle was funded by the DTE Foundation.

“We are grateful to our Michigan volunteers who will be providing support to our team members and those impacted in Northwest Iowa,” said Latoysa “Toy”  Rooks, regional disaster officer for the Red Cross Michigan Region. “We are prepared to commit  additional resources should the need arise, while still meeting the needs of our Michigan communities.”

The Red Cross plays a critical role in helping families  and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster. In the last three months, the Red Cross has been working nonstop to respond to  weather-related disasters that have become more intense and frequent across the country, including in Michigan.

In 2023 alone, a record 28 billion-dollar plus disasters occurred in the United States, ravaging communities and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to flee from severe storms, floods and wildfires.

To support Red Cross Disaster Relief and help people affected by disasters like the floods in Iowa, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make a donation or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606

About the American Red Cross: 

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.