MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Red Cross is conducting nationwide relief efforts in California and the Upper Peninsula. Michelle Gallagher, the Executive Director of the Northern Michigan chapter of the Red Cross, says the best way to help the victims in Los Angeles is to make a financial donation or sign up to volunteer.
“Really, the best thing that people can do right now. We need volunteers and financial assistance,” said Gallagher.
Gallagher says they don’t have the space or resources to handle donations, like clothing and other items that require sorting and storage.
“Everybody wants to help in donating clothes, donating, you know, goods and things like that. We never want to discourage people from doing whatever they can. However, there’s just not the capability to handle those kinds of donations at this point,” explained Gallagher.
Gallagher says there are many ways to volunteer, including virtually, online.
“We have people right now in Michigan that are volunteering virtually. They’re helping with the reunification process. So if people can’t find a loved one, they can call the Red Cross, they can set up a case, and then we help them, you know, connect with and hopefully find their loved ones. So those kinds of things can be done virtually,” said Gallagher.
One of the Red Cross’s main missions is blood donation, which is another way to contribute.
“Blood is really critical, because you figure, you know, Los Angeles is a big area. They have a lot of, you know, ongoing, regular blood and platelet drives, and they just aren’t able to operate those right now. In the midst of it, it’s volunteers, and it’s, you know, and it’s the financial donations,” said Gallagher.
Locally, The Red Cross will hold a blood drive at Jamrich Hall on NMU’s campus on January 28th
For more information on how to volunteer and where to donate, please visit The Red Cross website, redcross.org
