The rainfall and subsequent flooding here in South Carolina have been devastating. Please help in whatever way you can. Many organizations have started collecting bottled water, many have set up shelters to assist with lost pets. I urge you to contact the Red Cross to learn ways that you can give your assistance, be it time, money, or both.
The American Red Cross is in South Carolina to help those affected by the deadly floods and put out an urgent plea Sunday seeking for volunteers.
The humanitarian organization said volunteers are most needed in highly populated areas like Charleston, Columbia, Myrtle Beach and the Upstate. Volunteers will help prepare shelters, assess flood damage and keep victims comfortable as long as they are in need of assistance, organizers said.
“We are helping families across South Carolina that are in need of shelter, disaster relief and comfort,” regional chief executive officer of the American Red Cross in South Carolina Louise Welch Williams told WCBD. “We are also welcoming members of the community who want to help to join us as Red Cross disaster volunteers.”
Those interested in helping out on the ground can visit the Red Cross South Carolina volunteer page to start an application. All applicants are subject to a background check. The training process is free and open to the public. Once approved, those looking to help will be contacted directly by a member of the Red Cross team.
More volunteer information can also be found at the following numbers:
- Charleston – 843-764-2323 x321
- Columbia – 803-508-5251
- Myrtle Beach – 843-764-2323 x321
- Upstate – 864-270-9575
Those who would like to help those affected by flooding in South Carolina, as well as North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia, but are unable to volunteer on the ground can make a contribution to American Red Cross 2015 Fall Floods relief online. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these disasters.
Red Cross shelters in South Carolina will provide victims with meals and a dry safe place they can stay for the duration of the catastrophic floods. There are current more than 60 Red Cross staff members and volunteers working in the state with more incoming.
The American Red Cross has opened 30 shelters across South Carolina. The most up to date information on new shelters can be found on the organizations tracking page.
