Local Red Cross Volunteers Sent to Help Victims of Tennessee Tornadoes

Levittown, PA, February 11, 2008 – Red Cross volunteers, Harry Gamble and Pat Thompson, have been deployed by the Lower Bucks County Chapter of the American Red Cross to assist in Red Cross relief operations in Tennessee.  The American Red Cross and its local chapters have been providing services in the area since February 5, 2008.

Harry Gamble and Pat Thompson were deployed for disaster mental health services.  Volunteers who serve in this capacity are trained to provide emotional care and support to those affected.  “Harry and Pat’s professionalism and compassion have made them an integral part of the Red Cross disaster response team,” said Kathleen Marsh, CEO of the Lower Bucks County Chapter.  “They will make a very real difference in the lives our neighbors, near and far, affected by the tornadoes.”

Marsh further praised the volunteers for their dedication.  “Harry Gamble, Pat Thompson and so many others like them are making an incredible commitment to help others.  These two are a great example of the generosity of spirit that drives the Red Cross.”

Red Cross disaster volunteers typically respond to local emergencies where families are displaced, including house fires or local flooding.  They respond without pay and regardless of the time of day.  Red Cross assistance for displaced families can include temporary shelter, food, and clothing assistance, as well as mental health counseling, if needed.  This assistance is provided free of charge, made possible by donations from the American public.

For more information about the Lower Bucks County Chapter, American Red Cross disaster relief services, to make a donation, or to learn about a wide range of volunteer opportunities, call the (215) 946-4870, or visit www.redcrosslbcc.org.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like these tornadoes, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 1909 Veterans Highway, Levittown, PA 19056 or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.