American Red Cross of North Florida

When the Red Cross came in…we had a support system

Returning home. That’s what Charlesetta Gwinn is thinking about this week after Hurricane Idalia made landfall near her home in Live Oak, Florida. Like so many, her family watched the storm’s projected track. They prepared for the worst but hoped for the best.

They made a plan. When the track zeroed in, it was time to take action.

Recalling the hours before landfall, Charlesetta said, “We thought the storm was going in one direction and it seemed as if the storm was following us.”

Charlesetta and her family evacuated to Tallahassee. Days later, the family was ready to return home. Their usually familiar seeming roads were not ready to welcome them. “We saw trees that were twisted,” said Gwinn. “We were blessed that the trees missed our house.” But without power in most of the city, Gwinn turned to a local Red Cross shelter for the essentials.

“When the Red Cross came in, it was like night and day, we had a support system with hot meals, we even had spiritual care support,” said Gwinn.

Charlsetta’s highlight was meeting President Joe Biden as he toured the Red Cross shelter:

“There were all these things that I wanted to say to him,” said Gwinn. “He had this big smile and just said thank you.”

The days following Hurricane Idalia’s landfall would be the first time Charlesetta and her family would interact with Red Cross disaster volunteers. Those days, she won’t forget. “It was quite uplifting, because when you’re going through a crisis you really don’t know from day to day how things are going to turn out, but they made a transition to a facility like this very easy,” said Gwinn. Even a week after the storm hit, many people are still counting on Red Cross shelters following Hurricane Idalia.

You can help people affected by Hurricane Idalia by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or by texting the word IDALIA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Written by Duhane Lindo

I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else

Melissa Keen handed out cases of bottled water, shovels and other clean-up supplies to residents who stopped by an American Red Cross this week in Day, Florida.

While the shovels will be helpful, it’s the meaning behind the shovels that makes the difference to people in her small, rural community, she said.

“A shovel means someone’s thinking about them. Being handed something like this,” she said, gesturing to the Red Cross clean-up kits stacked in a corner, “makes people feel better about their situation.”

The third hurricane to make landfall in Florida this year, Idalia hit Florida’s “Big Bend” coast on Aug. 30, causing a swath of destruction across the Southeast. Since the storm made landfall, more than 680 trained Red Cross disaster workers have deployed to the area to help those impacted.

Keen said the storm knocked down large trees and damaged homes throughout her community, and many residents were without power for three or more days. Some of the hardest-hit homes were without power for a week, she said. Others have lost their homes entirely.

“It’s overwhelming at first, and some people had feelings of anger that it [Hurricane Idalia] happened here,” she said. “After day three or four, you’re wondering ‘what’s next?’”

Now that power is back and schools have resumed, residents are beginning to clear away debris, lending a hand to help one another. Red Cross trucks packed with shovels, rakes, trash bags, gloves and other supplies “arrived just at the right time” at the Day Community Center, Keen said.

The Red Cross has also provided water, food – 1,000 meals in the first weekend after the storm hit, Keen said – and installed portable facilities for locals to shower and do laundry.

“Anything that we told the Red Cross we needed has arrived quickly,” she said.

Many people stopped by to pick up supplies or use the shower facilities, but also just to talk and check in with others. Some, after surviving the storm and going days without power, were feeling isolated and “just want to be heard,” she said.

Keen says she stepped up to help at the Red Cross center for that very reason: To help distribute much-needed resources, but also to be a comforting presence to neighbors in need. A mother of five and the owner of a local fitness gym, she knew many who came in by name.

“We have some very resilient people here in Day,” Keen said. “We are fortunate that we have a very special community that comes together to help one another. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

By Bethany Bray Patterson

Devastation in Hawaii inspires action in Florida

While disasters are becoming larger and more frequent, it’s not as common to see two disasters back-to-back from a firsthand perspective. Richard Farra has experienced this recently.

After visiting friends and family in his native state of Hawaii, Richard and his wife saw flames burning in Lahaina beneath them as they flew back to their home in California. It was a very emotional moment and he recalled wanting to turn the plane around and go back to help. He was inspired to sign up with the American Red Cross to help be of service to others facing disaster.

It didn’t take long to get the call. Later that month, Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida’s “Big Bend” as a Category 3. Bringing a life-threatening storm surge, major flooding and wind damage to the region, the storm has affected several counties in Florida in Georgia. This became Richard’s opportunity to make a difference.

“Although I couldn’t go back to help in Lahaina, this is a wakeup call,” says Richard. “Sometimes people need something close to them to make them aware of what happens, what could happen to other people and how you can help.”

Today, more than 640 Red Cross disaster workers are providing comfort, support and relief to people impacted by Idalia. Since Idalia made landfall, the Red Cross has provided over 1,400 overnight stays in 28 shelters for those seeking shelter in Florida and Georgia. With the help of partners, the Red Cross has provided more than 125,900 meals and snacks, and our work is just getting started.

If you also want to experience your first deployment with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for opportunities with your local chapter. Our most-needed disaster positions include supporting shelters and providing health services.

Written by Dariana Molina

You can tell they love what they’re doing

More than 600 American Red Cross disaster responders are in north Florida and south Georgia to help people impacted by Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall Wednesday, August 30. Since then, the Red Cross has provided over 1,600 overnight stays in 29 shelters for those seeking shelter in Florida and Georgia.

Red Cross post-storm shelters are available for people who have been evacuated and are unable to reach their homes or whose homes are unlivable. Post-storm shelters typically open within 72 hours after landfall and provide sleeping support items such as cots, blankets and pillows, meals, shower facilities, medical services, and other support services.

At a shelter in Perry, Florida, resident Brittany Beach found herself feeling incredibly welcomed and comforted by Red Cross shelter staff. Brittany, her mother Wendy and sister Kimberly found a safe place to stay at a Red Cross Shelter after a tree fell on top of their home and it became inhabitable.

“They [volunteers] have great personalities, [they are] great people. I can tell they love what they’re doing.”

To make sure people have a safe place to stay during Idalia, Red Cross disaster workers and community partners are opening and supporting evacuation centers and shelters. Anyone who needs a safe place to go can find information on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.

Written by Dariana Molina

Providing Comfort & Hope

More than 600 Red Cross disaster responders have deployed to both Florida and Georgia that were affected by Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall Wednesday, August 30. They are pre-positioning specialty response vehicles and truckloads of supplies in order to set up distribution sites and shelters.

At a shelter in Valdosta, Georgia, resident Barbara R. Curl found herself feeling incredibly welcomed and comforted by Red Cross shelter staff. Ming Yao, in particular, took an interest in Barbara’s wellbeing. Barbara’s home sustained severe damages caused by Idalia and she was very appreciative to have had the Red Cross to lean on until she can return home safely.

“He has been so loving, everyone has been so kind, and I am so pleased with the staff.”
Barbara Curl

The climate crisis, according to scientists, is making hurricanes worse in the United States by increasing their intensity. As extreme weather increases, more people need help from the Red Cross. Find out more about the Red Cross and its work on the climate crisis at redcross.org/climate.

Written by Dariana Molina

It’s where all our memories were made

Now, more than 500 Red Cross disaster responders have begun to circulate throughout communities in Florida and Georgia that were affected by Hurricane Idalia, which made landfall Wednesday, August 30.

Disaster responders have been bringing tremendous support to these communities in several ways. First, to assess the damage assessment, as well as speak with residents of the affected communities to get their perspective on the storm and how they’ve personally been affected. This information will not only help inform operational decisions about where to focus our services in the coming days but will also spread awareness as to just how much Idalia has physically, mentally and emotionally impacted families.

One of the families impacted by Hurricane Idalia has a home in Horseshoe Beach, Florida that was completely destroyed. Shelley Thomas’ home, seen in the background of the photo above, was severely damaged by the strong winds and storm surge brought by the storm and only some of the stilts that initially served as the foundation of the home remain. Disaster Responder Dariana Molina spoke with Shelley about what this home meant to her and how she felt seeing it in its current state for the first time. Shelley

“It’s been standing for 68 years and it’s where all our memories were made.”
Shelley Thomas

As a result of the climate crisis, scientists warn that hurricanes are becoming more intense and more destructive with increased rainfall and higher storm surges. As extreme weather increases, more people need help from the Red Cross. Find out more about the Red Cross and its work on the climate crisis at redcross.org/climate.

Help people affected by Hurricane Idalia by visiting redcross.org, by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word IDALIA to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Blood donations are also critically important to ensure patient needs are met. Financial contributions to Hurricane Idalia enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster.

Written by Dariana Molina

It’s like putting a blanket around the community

Labor Day plans have been redirected for many as thousands of people in the Southeast deal with the devastation left behind by Hurricane Idalia. Hundreds of American Red Cross disaster workers are with them, providing comfort, support and relief to people in need. Joe Apicelli, a service associate with the American Red Cross, is one of those volunteers. He does Mass Care Feeding and, on this day, was celebrating his 18^th anniversary as a volunteer with American Red Cross.

“I started in 2005, September 1st with Hurricane Katrina,” Joe Recalls. “I found myself standing in the Houston Astrodome with 23,000 evacuees from the lower 9^th ward and that changed my life, so well for the good.”

Currently, Joe and other Red Cross disaster responders are traveling throughout hard-hit communities in North Florida, assessing the damage and distributing meals and relief supplies. This weekend, the Red Cross will open several respite centers where residents can stop by to pick up a warm meal and access additional support as they begin to pick up the pieces. With the help of partners, the Red Cross has provided more than 30,000 meals and snacks, and our work is just getting started. Joe is on hand, helping to provide those meals.

When asked why he’s been doing this for so long, he says the clients affected by disasters – like Hurricane Idalia, wildfires, tornadoes – they need immediate help.

“The Red Cross, our family, our arms – it’s like putting a blanket around the community, and that’s what I enjoy doing the most.”

Joe says what he finds most rewarding is seeing communities bounce back after a devastating disaster. He gives credit to Red Cross donors and has a message for those who give.

“The generosity of the American dollar helps them,” said Apicelli. “Seeing communities come up from the horror they went through – I can tell them personally that I’ve seen the results.”

Joe is on his 55^th national deployment and has traveled in and around the country providing relief assistance to individuals and families. From the ice storms of Ellsworth, Maine to the fires in Detroit, Oregon, to the hurricanes in the Virgin Islands, he gets emotional when reflecting on his feelings towards his decision to help.

“You change somebody’s life, you hear the truth of what they faced after a storm, it will be forever in your heart, I’m so blessed to be part of an organization with the men and women who devote the time.”

Our volunteers are at the heart of our mission and represent 90% of our workforce. Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to sign up for opportunities with your local chapter. Our most-needed disaster positions include supporting shelters and providing health services.

You can help people affected by Hurricane Idalia by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word IDALIA to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Written by Duhane Lindo

Hurricane Idalia Makes Landfall

Hurricane Idalia made landfall in Florida’s “Big Bend” this morning as a Category 3. Bringing a life-threatening storm surge as well as major flooding, wind damage and possible tornadoes to the region, the storm will spread to the Carolinas later today.

Red Cross disaster workers are pre-positioning 45 specialty response vehicles and truckloads of supplies in advance of Idalia. This includes technology equipment, some 100,000 ready-to-eat meals and enough shelter supplies to support 20,000 individuals. Additional volunteers and emergency supplies are on standby in case they are needed.

Among the volunteers is Joe Boals from Tallahassee, Florida. Joe has been with the American Red Cross since 2005 and has worked in all capacities during disasters, from mass care to sheltering to public affairs. He was a part of our response to Hurricane Katrina and still has his badge to prove it! Yesterday, Joe and other volunteers were at an evacuation shelter set up in Richardson Community Center. The shelter opened to the public in the evening and welcomed everyone, along with their fur babies.

All Red Cross shelters provide a safe place to stay for those who have been ordered to evacuate their homes prior to a storm. They typically are only meant to house residents for 12-72 hours until the storm moves through. Residents are encouraged to bring their sleeping supplies such as cots and blankets because it may not be possible or practical to move in supplies for such a short-term.

Joe, being a Red Crosser and pet owner, rescued his dog King from a home fire response years ago and King has since become an important part of his life.

“Pets are a part of the family. They provide comfort and a sense of normalcy to their families, just as we provide the same for them.”
Joe Boals

Written by Dariana Molina

Showing the heart of the Red Cross

“The Red Cross is easy to get in but hard to get out, simply because you really get invested in the projects and the people you are helping.”

Alani Boniface became a volunteer within the American Red Cross organization in January 2022. During her time in the organization, she has grown and developed within the Red Cross community to an extent she had never imagined.

She began in search of a work study opportunity and found that the American Red Cross offered exactly what she was looking for. Beginning her journey, she focused on multiple sections of the disaster action team, and she began with the home fire campaigns. Through this group in the Red Cross, she helped over 34,000 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) prepare for emergencies and educate them about fire safety.

Alani has seen first-hand the endless mission the Red Cross stands for. She has worked hard to contribute and help anywhere she is needed. Alani finds the work she does interesting and meaningful to her and cannot wait to see what else she can help develop.

Currently, Alani is now the Community Engagement and Partnerships co-lead which deals with external partnerships.

Alani is proud to be a part of the American Red Cross and enjoys the family aspect she feels when working and volunteering with other members. She enjoys the Red Cross because she says that the organization is not driven by gaining profit but instead is driven by helping the communities in need.

“The Red Cross is different from other organizations because of its sense of community. Watching so many volunteers giving their all with no expectation of receiving anything in return really shows the heart of the Red Cross.”

Alani hopes to continue developing and growing within the Red Cross. She is inspired every day in ways that make her want to continue to help the community and those who are in need. She is motivated to make a difference and is currently working on multiple projects in hopes to make a change in society through the American Red Cross.

Written by Isabell Aponte & Coral Hornstein.

Amazing Mother-Daughter Duo

Working with family can be challenging, but for Tiffany and Livia, it’s a way to stay connected while sharing rewarding moments. Out of the Capital Area Chapter, this mother-daughter duo are Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers. By serving together they are an inspirational team and the work they do is changing lives.

“You become a different person after going on these calls. You really realize what’s important in life. I would encourage everyone to join the Red Cross,” says Livia.

DAT volunteers respond to families after a home fire or other disaster. Often the first on scene, along with emergency responders, they provide financial assistance to help with immediate needs such as food, clothing and a safe place to stay. They also to offer comfort and connect people to health or mental health support such as emergency medication, medical device replacement, or counseling.

Livia is a full-time pre-med student, with a part time job and a Red Cross volunteer. She chose to be a DAT responder because it’s the best way to be hands-on when helping others. To Livia, the Red Cross stood out because it makes an impact all around the world. The volunteers she works alongside teach her bravery and compassion.

Inspired by her daughter Livia, Tiffany joined the Red Cross in Arkansas, before moving to Florida and joining Livia’s team. Responding to calls motivates her to canvas new communities that are at risk for fires and help prevent future disasters. During this process she educates clients on fire prevention and to be aware of potential risks. Tiffany is proud to be help provide relief to families during the worst days of their lives.

“When you are there, it is very gratifying. You feel proud for actively helping others. When everything is gone, we are the people on their team,” says Tiffany.

When volunteering together their familiarity provides a better service to the client. Volunteering together provides them opportunities to bond and spend time with each other. They also enjoy serving others through events such as blood drives and other disaster aid. They want to continue to encourage others around them to volunteer as a family.

DAT responders must complete only 10 hours of training before shadowing a current DAT member to get comfortable on the ground. After completing that process, a volunteer can start helping families recover.

“I am thankful that both my mother and I can have a positive impact on our community,” says Livia.

Learn more about volunteering at redcross.org.

Written by Isabell Aponte & Coral Hornstein.