Photo taken in Southeastern Missouri January 30, 2009

Tens of thousands of Missourians are still without power tonight and I can assure you the Red Cross will continue to help until every need is met. Today, I drove with Nancy Bates, Executive Officer of Red Cross Emergency Services, from St. Louis to Cape Girardeau and further south to Sikeston, Missouri. Along the way we passed dozens of utility crews that were busy repairing downed electrical wires. Let me tell you, the damage from Tuesday and Wednesday’s storm is much more profound than anyone expected in this part of the state. It’s uncertain how long it will take before all the power is restored.

 

The drive was disheartening but when we arrived at our destination – a Red Cross shelter – things started to look up. The shelter was buzzing with activity. People were playing board games, eating hot meals, chatting with friends and neighbors, and resting on hundreds of cots. Red Cross volunteers and staff were handing out comfort items and generally trying to help people feel comfortable in their temporary home.

 

I talked with several families who were staying warm at the shelter. One woman I spoke with had been in the shelter for about 36 hours. Her home lost power on Wednesday and she knew no amount of blankets would keep her family warm through the night. She brought her mother and young children to the shelter for a safe place to sleep and a warm meal. She was so grateful to the volunteers and Red Cross workers for making her feel comfortable. In total, 115 Red Cross workers staffed 36 shelters today and served nearly 4,000 meals and snacks. These volunteers truly brought the Red Cross mission to life by demonstrating just how vital our services are to people in need.

 

This is my fourth week as the Chief Executive of the St. Louis Area Chapter and I can’t tell you how much it means to be a part of this humanitarian organization. The Red Cross responds to over 70,000 disasters each year thanks to the help of generous Americans who give to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Times are tough right now but if you can, please consider a gift to the Red Cross. We will continue to help our neighbors who are affected by these power outages and you can bet we’ll be there the next time disaster strikes. Thanks for your support.

 

Cindy Erickson

CEO, St. Louis Area Chapter