PIERRE, S.D. (Press Release) – The American Red Cross continues to provide relief, comfort and hope to people affected by the devastating wildfires across the western United States. In supporting the nationwide efforts, Nancy McKenny from Onida, South Dakota is deploying to Fresno, California as a shelter Supervisor.

Sunday night, the Red Cross and our partners provided some 7,500 people with safe refuge from the wildfires with emergency lodging, including shelters and, in some cases, hotels. Nancy will be working with over 1,300 other Red Cross volunteers who are helping evacuees cope with these disasters.

Volunteers have also provided more than 22,000 individual care contacts to help people with medical or disability needs, as well as emotional and spiritual support during these challenging times. This includes replacing prescription medications, eyeglasses or other medical equipment.

While fire conditions are improving in the northwest, dozens of wildfires continue to burn and thousands of people are still depending on the American Red Cross for emergency lodging, food, water and other assistance right now. This wildfire season is the worst on record, and almost 7 million acres have been consumed by thousands of wildfires across the U.S. this year.

ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

If South Dakotans have the time, they can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday.

• In the midst of this extremely active disaster season, right now thousands of Red Cross volunteers are helping the thousands of people affected.
• With the current disasters and the complexities of COVID-19, more help is needed now. Become a Red Cross volunteer today.

The Red Cross is working 24-7 to respond to disasters like wildfires, tropical storms and countless other crises. Please donate to help now by visiting redcross.org, calling 800-RED-CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

• A gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small.
• Donations to help people specifically affected by the California, Oregon or Washington wildfires? Write“California Wildfires,” “Oregon Wildfires” or “Washington Wildfires” in the memo line of a check and mail it to your local Red Cross chapter with the completed donation form. For California Wildfires you can also text the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
• You can make a difference in the lives of people impacted by Hurricanes Sally and Laura by visiting redcross.org, calling 800-RED-CROSS or texting the word HURRICANES to 90999 to make a $10 donation.