S.C. Volunteers Are Ready to Help Hurricane Harvey Survivors

Red Cross Sends More Than 50 S.C. Volunteers

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)- Thousands have been displaced by the devastating blow dealt by Hurricane Harvey. Some volunteers from the Palmetto State are in the Lone Star helping those who need it the most.

The Red Cross of South Carolina said they sent more than 50 volunteers and four emergency vehicles to assist areas hit by Hurricane Harvey.

“Our emergency response vehicles are equipped with supplies, food, eater, cleanup kits and necessities for people in need,” said Central SC Board Chair Allison Cranford.

The Salvation Army is ready to do their part to help. “Currently, we are on standby. The South Carolina/North Carolina region has currently been called to prep the canteen, make sure its functional and ready to go. Disaster volunteers are on standby as well. We are just waiting to see if the need arises for us to travel there,” said Mark Barrett of The Salvation Army of the Midlands.

If volunteers are deployed, they will drive a canteen to help feed the displaced. “It’s a fully functional kitchen, it’s a food truck essentially. We can cook on here, prep food here and then serve it out of the windows. We don’t travel with food so we use local food sources once we get to a disaster,” said Barrett.

Both organizations say donating things other than supplies is critical. “Monetary donations are the best way to help. They allow us to purchase supplies and resources needed for the folks in Texas. I know a lot of folks want to get together and donate things but money is really the best way to help right now,” said Barrett.

“People need blood. If they feel the need to go give blood, we would love that. We need that so badly as blood drives there have been canceled, so they still have hospitals that need those blood units,” said Cranford.

You can donate to Red Cross here. Click here to donate to the Salvation Army. For more information about how to give blood, visit: redcross.org/sc