On January 27^th I had the opportunity to go with six other Saint Louis Red Cross volunteers to Southeastern Missouri to help in the disaster relief operation (DR) following the ice storm. I rode in the chapter ERV (emergency response vehicle) to the disaster affected area with Mike Wood, another Red Cross volunteer from the Metro East service center. I could not have asked for a better partner to learn from. This was only my second time to go out for a disaster relief operation, and it was my first time to be assigned full time to the ERV.

 

We spent the first few days picking up food from Sam’s in Cape Girardeau and delivering it to kitchens that were feeding thousands of people in the Missouri boot heel. The crew at Sam’s was incredibly helpful and they even donated a pallet of water. After the first few days Mike and I were assigned to help deliver food to surrounding communities from one of the kitchens, where we spent the remainder of our time. While delivering the food we met some amazing people.

 

Communities really come together after disasters. We met so many people that wanted to thank us, give us checks for donations, and just asked how they could help. So we of course directed them to sign up with their local Red Cross chapter! After a week it was time for us to come home.

I love going out for DR assignments, and although I don’t wish for disasters, I’ll be ready to go when the next one comes!

Until next time,

Angela

Angela Hakim is a Red Cross AmeriCorps member.