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OCTOBER 13, 2018 / Panama City, FL
Panama City resident Catherine Nolan was relieved to see a
feeding vehicle in her neighborhood not only so she could get
a freshly cooked meal for dinner but also find out the location
of the nearest Red Cross shelter and escape the heat at night.
Photo by Daniel Cima/American Red Cross
Bradshaw says that when
they are unable to meet donor’s
requests, they call on partners
like The Salvation Army. “We
have re-routed truckloads of
supplies to The Salvation Army
Atlanta and Tampa warehouses.
Food, clothing, baby needs and
other supplies are now being
distributed to where they need
to go, in a more organized
manner.” The Red Cross is also
setting up staging warehouses
as satellite locations to drop off
supplies and they will continue
to replenish them.
There are so many things
that we don’t think about as we
sit comfortably in our homes.
There are staff and volunteers
that have to be transported
and housed. Uber and Lyft are
transporting staff, volunteers,
and clients in and out of the
area. Airline companies are
partnering with the Red Cross.
Boating companies have also
been in conversation with the
Red Cross to provide food
and accommodate sleeping for
about 20 people on each boat.
There are other basic needs
that are being met such as
filtered water backpacks so
people can brush their teeth,
port-o-potties, laundry services,
shower services, dog food, ice,
generators, baby products and
so much more.
As days, weeks, and even
months go by, Hurricane
Michael, inevitably, will become
a forgotten news story to most.
But the recovery and rebuilding
will continue for a long time to
come. “At minimum, we are
probably looking at this
particular operation being
well over $10 million,” says
Bradshaw.
This holiday season, one of
the best gifts you can give is a
gift to help others in need. ✚
20 • November 2018