Augusta volunteers spearhead tropical storm relief efforts
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Golden Harvest Food Bank and the local American Red Cross chapter are ramping up efforts to communities affected by Tropical Storm Debby.
The Augusta-based East Central Georgia Chapter of the Red Cross is the organization’s staging area for the Georgia and South Carolina disaster response, Executive Director Landreth-Everitt said.
About 25 local volunteers are here helping on this disaster response with all kinds of logistics, including loading and unloading trailers full of supplies, serving as feet on the ground for anything needed here, and general for the entire operation.
They’ve been preparing all week.
“Right now, we are staging supplies all across the southeast, that includes Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, to make sure that our impacted communities have the resources and help that they need,” said Katie Zwerk, communications director for American Red Cross of Georgia.
Slow-moving Debby brings torrential rain and flooding to Southeast
Tropical Storm Debby brought prolonged downpours and flooding to the southeastern United States on Tuesday and was expected to hover over the Atlantic Ocean.
CSRA towns rally together as Debby continues to roll in
When a small town comes together, it makes a big difference. That's what people discovered as Tropical Storm Debby came through the CSRA.
School closures due to impacts from Tropical Storm Debby
As Tropical Storm Debby moved through the region, some CSRA school districts announced closures.
Team coverage as Tropical Storm Debbie moves through CSRA
With trees coming down, power going out and water pooling over already-saturated ground, the CSRA is feeling the effects as Tropical Storm Debby moves through the region.
They’re among more than 565 trained Red Cross volunteers from across the country working to provide safe shelter, meals and comfort.
Among those partners is the Augusta-based Golden Harvest Food Bank, whose new produce rescue center is being used to store and sort food, water, and other items to aid residents in South Carolina and Georgia.
The Red Cross is set up at Golden Harvest with meals, diapers, water and more.
Amy Breitmann, Golden Harvest president and CEO, said: “We have this facility, this produce rescue center, that was scheduled to open next week, and when this disaster happened, we knew that we needed to step up and offer it as a resource to the community.”
And they’re all ready to go anywhere at any time.
Zwerk said: “We just don’t know the impact. Flooding is a major, major concern. Everyone thinks about just, you know, when a hurricane makes landfall that this is a rain event that’s going to impact so many people, and the big thing for us, too is stressing the importance of having a safe place to go.”
The Red Cross has eight shelters open across the state.
Officials say our local parks and rec facilities will be another option for shelter too.
“One of the things I’m most grateful for in our community is the overwhelming we receive from our partners in Augusta,” said Landreth-Everitt. “Golden Harvest Food Bank’s partnership will help the Red Cross further serve residents impacted by this storm.”
AT THE SALVATION ARMY:
- The Salvation Army of Augusta said Tuesday that everyone who stayed at the homeless shelter Monday night was also staying Tuesday. The shelter hadn’t seen any evacuees.
Both organizations are closely monitoring the situation and considering the potential impact on events, including the grand opening event of the produce rescue center next week. The priority remains on providing immediate relief to those in need.
“In times of crisis, our community’s resilience shines through. By working together, we can ensure that those affected by Hurricane Debby receive the essential they need,” said Amy Breitmann, president and CEO of Golden Harvest.
Tropical Storm Debby ended Susan Everitt’s vacation early.
She just flew in from Denver, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I was scheduled to be on vacation this week, but of course, you know my heart and my home is here in Augusta. So, if Augusta is going to get impacted, you know, I’m going to come home,” said Everitt.
And she knows firsthand what it’s like to be in the thick of a storm.
“I lost my home to a flooding event, and you just can’t underestimate the importance of having somebody there to listen to you,” she said.
That’s why the Red Cross leader is making it her mission to make sure Augusta’s Red Cross extends the hands of hope as the southeast battles Debby.
“Right now, we have about 565 Red Crossers that are deployed for this hurricane Debby response here in the chapter in Augusta. We have about 25 that are working on this response. And of course, we have lots of volunteers that are working on other things outside of this response, that number is going to need to continue to grow. We anticipate having more shelters open for weeks and maybe even months to come,” said Everitt.
With so many households expected to flood, they’ve already sent one tractor tailor full of supplies and they have nine more ready to go.
Salvation Army of Aiken adds beds to help those in need
For those needing a place to rest their heads out of the storm, the Salvation Army of Aiken has you covered.
“Inside of these trucks that we have right now, there are things such as cots and blankets and pillows, water and snacks, anything that’s needed, really to set up a shelter or to drive throughout our community,” said Everitt.
How to help
- Golden Harvest Food Bank: To contribute to Golden Harvest Food Bank, visit goldenharvest.org Every dollar helps provide vital assistance to both local neighbors and those seeking shelter in our community.
- The American Red Cross: Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text DEBBY to 90999 to donate.
How to get help
- Visit //goldenharvest.org/find-help
- Visit RedCross.org, the Red Cross Emergency App, or call 211 for local from the United Way of the CSRA or South Carolina.
Copyright 2024 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
