It’s been a week since Hurricane Florence made landfall, and thousands of people in the Carolinas are still in danger from devastating river flooding. Our region has now deployed more than 40 local volunteers to join some 3,600 Red Crossers from all over the country who are working around the clock to provide shelter, food, and comfort for families affected by this heartbreaking storm.

Not surprisingly, most of this week’s local Red Cross coverage was focused on Florence. The Plattsburgh Press-Republican caught up with North Country volunteers Gary Amell and Bob Fitzgerald just after Florence made landfall. A few days later, the Utica Observer-Dispatch published an in-depth interview with Clinton resident Jim White, who is currently deployed to South Carolina. Midway through the week, WWNY TV got an update from North Country Executive Director Jane Gendron, and on Thursday, News10 ABC in Albany hosted an all-night telethon that raised more than $54,000 to help people affected by Hurricane Florence!

We also aimed to highlight some of the ways that Eastern New Yorkers can support this disaster response through the help of our generous partners. Through the end of the month, Price Chopper/Market 32 will continue to collect donations of $1 or $5 at all registers, and will match all gifts up to $5,000 for Hurricane Florence. Hoffman Car Wash is donating 100% of all hot wax sales through the end of September for hurricane relief. And coming up next Saturday, September 29, you can race for your life at the Six Flags Great Escape Zombie Run 5K to help support hurricane victims.

In case you missed it, we shared a unique reflection on volunteer deployments this week, written by someone who works very hard behind the scenes to make them happen.

And we shared a video message from Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter board member Patrick Horan, who was deployed to North Carolina earlier this week.

Last but not least, we continued to respond to local disasters across our region. Since last Friday, our Disaster Action Team volunteers were called to six local fires, and provided emergency assistance to a total of 22 people.

Be sure to follow along on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for all the latest until next week’s roundup!

The American Red Cross Eastern New York Region is made up of approximately 1,800 volunteers serving 24 counties in Upstate New York. With a wide array of programs and services being offered throughout the year, there’s usually a lot going on! We share regular updates on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and more…but just in case you miss any of that, use our weekly roundup to catch up on the highlights! Did we miss something worth sharing? Email us anytime at news.eny@redcross.org!