Duluth’s Red Cross Chapter Assists Hurricane Sandy Relief

Thousands of people from across nine states have taken refuge from the impact as

Hurricane Sandy hits the East Coast;  The Northland Chapter of the American Red Cross is a part of the effort.  Local Red Cross volunteer Jeff Schiefelbein of Ely, Minnesota was assigned to the response effort and is now working in Mass Care in Pennsylvannia.

More then 3,200 people spent the night in 113 Red Cross Shelters on the coast and the demand on services is expected to grow as the storm crests.

One of the areas of concern for the agency is that nearly one hundred Red Cross blood drives had to be cancelled due to the storm and there could be more as the week goes on.  This means a loss of as many as 3,200 blood and platelet products.  Eligible donors are asked to consider giving - especially in the areas that have not been affected by the storm.

Whether it's giving blood, volunteering, or making a financial donation - the Red Cross has many ways that the general public can help.  Visit redcrossmn.org for more details.