Harmon

THOMASVILLE — Volunteers from the South Georgia Red Cross chapter have been assigned to Texas and Louisiana shelters. They are among 84 Georgia Red Cross-trained volunteers responding to help hurricane-displaced people.

However, Mark Harmon, a Thomasville resident and member of the South Georgia chapter board of directors, said the Red Cross will be hard-pressed to meet demands of Irma if the Category 5 hurricane rips through Florida, as predicted.

“It will take all of our resources,” Harmon said.

“People are encouraged strongly to give dollars,” Harmon added.

The nearest places taking other types of donations — bottled water, diapers, cleaning supplies, sports drinks —  are First Baptist Church in LaGrange and the Macon Salvation Army.

The Red Cross is carefully watching Irma — and Hurricane Jose behind it.

According to information provided by the South Georgia chapter:

• By Monday night, more than 32,000 people sought refuge in 192 Red Cross and partner shelters across Texas. The Red Cross also is assisting Louisiana state government with emergency shelters that hosted more than 1,000 people Tuesday night. 

• Donations pay to transport and support more than 3,100 Red Cross disaster workers on the ground in Texas, with an additional 420 on the way. More than 200 people are helping in Louisiana.

• Donations have paid for the more than 807,000 meals and snacks in Texas, with the help of partners. An additional 33,000 were served in Louisiana. 

• Donations pay for gas and equipment to power feeding efforts. Trailers of kitchen supplies are on the ground to support 16 kitchens, each able to produce 10,000 meals a day. 

• Donations pay for the more than 215 emergency response vehicles activated to help deliver meals and relief supplies.

• Donations pay for relief items like diapers and comfort kits that contain deodorant, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other hygiene items for people forced from their homes.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820