Pacifica Man Dispatched by Red Cross to Aid Disaster Relief

A Pacifica man is among six Bay Area volunteers the American Red Cross Bay Area Chapter dispatched to disaster relief operations over the past two weeks in states that have been affected by wildfires and extreme heat.

Eric Digre, a Red Cross Health Service supervisor, is making his 12th deployment since 2002. Previous operations he’s been involved with include Hurricane Katrina and the San Bruno pipeline explosion.

The American Red Cross has dispatched over 1,400 disaster relief workers to help people across the country affected by power outages, wildfires out west and flooding.

The Red Cross’ Burlingame-based Bay Area chapter has sent 17 volunteers to assist with disaster relief operations in Colorado, Montana, Florida and West Virginia.

The Red Cross has since last month already supported disaster victims in 16 states, operating shelters, serving more than 237,000 meals and snacks and distributing almost 140,000 relief items such as rakes, shovels, coolers, work gloves, cleaning supplies and hygiene kits.

“The Red Cross is helping people who have no power during this dangerous heat wave while continuing to feed and shelter people impacted by the wildfires out west and flooding in Florida.” Red Cross Disaster Services Senior Vice President Charley Shimanski said in a prepared statement.

“The weeks and months to come won't be easy as families and individuals impacted by the wildfires and flooding face the enormous task of getting their lives back to normal. For every family who needs us, we're going to be there, for as long as they need us.”

To contribute to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief by visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. People can also text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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