Red Cross sends CT volunteers to Midwest to help people impacted by tornadoes

The Red Cross says it is beginning its efforts in four states: Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee. They say the hardest part is now assessing the damage and where to begin.

News 12 Staff

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Dec 13, 2021, 10:32 PM

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Updated 1,149 days ago

The American Red Cross is beginning large relief efforts for those impacted by tornadoes in the Midwest and Connecticut volunteers are answering the call.

The Red Cross says it is beginning its efforts in four states: Kentucky, Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee. They say the hardest part is now assessing the damage and where to begin.

Tornadoes ripped through eight states over the weekend, with the worst damage happening in Kentucky.

Stephanie Dunn Ashley, the CEO of the Metro New York Chapter of the American Red Cross in Greenwich says its chapter is sending six volunteers. They'll be deployed for two weeks.

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"You'd be surprised how many people will sign up to put their lives on hold to help the lives of others," said Ashley.

The Red Cross says it is working with its partners around the clock to ensure people have a safe place to stay and the emotional and mental support they need.

The Red Cross says its important lifesaving blood drives are very desperate, especially this holiday season.

"The last few months we've been critically low supplies so getting blood supplies down there is absolutely necessary," said Ashley.