Hawaii Red Cross volunteers deploying to help Harvey victims
Thirteen volunteers from Red Cross Hawaii are deploying to Texas and Louisiana to help victims of Hurricane Harvey.
A total of eight volunteers deployed as of Sunday, according to spokeswoman Krislyn Yano, while others will leave this afternoon and tonight. Five are from Hawaii island, two from Maui, one from Molokai and five from Oahu.
The Hawaii volunteers, among more than 400 from across the U.S. who are on the ground in Houston, are assisting with damage assessment, disaster mental health services, bulk distribution, feeding and a variety of relief efforts. More Hawaii volunteers are on standby for deployment.
More than 1,800 people took refuge from the deadly storm Saturday night in 34 Red Cross and community shelters in Texas. One shelter in Louisiana opened for eight people Saturday night. The numbers of those seeking shelter are expected to grow.
Hawaii residents may help people affected by Hurricane Harvey at redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.