Philadelphia Red Cross Volunteers Help at Scene of Wash. State Mudslide
By Mark Abrams
OSO, Wash. (CBS) -- The Southeastern Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross is supporting recovery efforts at the site of that devastating mudslide in rural Washington State.
The local Red Cross chapter now has two volunteers -- one a mental health counselor and the other a communications representative -- working in the Washington state disaster zone.
Judge Renee Cardwell Hughes, the Philadelphia chapter CEO, says that while most people know the Red Cross provides shelter, food, clothing, and other supplies to those coping with a natural disaster, the services of a mental health professional are just as important.
"We help families to deal with the unimaginable devastation that occurs when you lose someone, when you have lost everything you own -- which is secondary to losing a loved one," she tells KYW Newsradio.
Cardwell Hughes says if you want to help, the best way is to donate to the disaster relief fund. Go to the chapter's web site, redcrossphilly.org, to learn more.