American Red Cross Feeding Flood Victims in Ottawa, Ohio

According to the American Red Cross news release, the victims in Ottawa, Ohio, who have been displaced due to flood waters have one less worry on their minds thanks to the efforts of the American Red Cross and their help in feeding the victims.

With all the devastating flood waters in the Ottawa, Ohio area, residents of the town who have been helping one another cope with the devastating effects the flood waters have left, are rejoicing in the efforts that the American Red Cross disaster relief operation has done with providing hot meals for those in need.

Ron Deatrick, who is a Trustee for the Trinity United Methodist Church as well as a volunteer for the American Red Cross stated that "We served 995 hot meals on Sunday, including here at the Red Cross shelter and out in the flooded areas, the outpouring of support from the community to help their neighbors has just been fantastic!"

The flood which was caused by the Blanchard River overflowing devastated much of the city, and many residents had to be evacuated from their homes, therefore having no means to provide food for their families. With the efforts from the American Red Cross, everyday from 5:30 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. the kitchen at the church has been planning, cooking and distributed meals to all those in need.

The American Red Cross as well as the Salvation Army truck will now be going around town offering hot meals to residents who have began the long haul and the hard job of cleaning up the mess the flood waters have left in their homes. On Sunday alone, 290 hot meals with served from one vehicle alone. Luckily with all the efforts made by the American Red Cross, several different organizations such as the Salvation Army, the Western Ohio Food Bank, and other businesses including Wal-Mart have partnered up with them to provide food and supplies for the displaced victims.

Ron Deatrick again commented on the disaster relief made by the American Red Cross and stated that "I am a firm believer that we receive blessings in direct relation to what we give," he said. "Today, a group from St. Mary's Soccer team showed up at my apartment and cleaned out everything that had been damaged. They just did this because I was a neighbor that needed help. I am truly blessed, and I am now free to continue working here at the Red Cross kitchen. That's what disaster relief is all about, isn't it? Helping one another."

To help in the efforts the American Red Cross is providing for the flood victims in Ottawa, Ohio, you can visit the American Red Cross Website at www.redcross.org and donate money, goods, or even donate your time.

SOURCE : Red Cross Kitchen Feeds Ottawa Flood Victims
http://www.redcross.org/article/0,1072,0_312_6988,00.html