KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Red Cross is there when disaster strikes. They serve 16 counties in the Kansas City area but recent fires have stretched their resources thin.
When flames ripped through an apartment complex in Shawnee, 40 families were left homeless. While firefighters put out the flames, the Red Cross helped shocked victims who were watching everything they owned go up in smoke.
Bob McSweeney signed up to volunteer with the Red Cross during Hurricane Katrina. Now, he organizes teams of volunteers. They give out blankets and comfort kits.
During large fires, they bring out the disaster services cantina truck.
“In Shawnee it was there so that people could have hot coffee and things like that,” McSweeney said. “We will use it as the situation dictates.”
Since January, the Red Cross has responded to 25 fires in multi-family dwellings. They have provided assistance to 200 people.
“We’ve seen twice as many people served in the last two months that we did during the same period last year. certainly our resources are getting a little thin,” said Ken Cope.
Even when the Red Cross isn’t at a disaster, they’re training for one. Their need for volunteers is also great. They also need donations to restock what they’ve given away which are always appreciated.
“We are a non-profit organization and we live by our donations,” Cope said. “About 1/3 of money we operate on is from our businesses of selling CPR classes and blood and so forth but 2/3r of it comes from donations from the public.”
If you’re interested in volunteering or donation go to redcross.org.
