Reply #11: See this article: I just heard on WDSU that all roads into LA are closed. [View All]

[CottonBear]

http://2theadvocate.com/livepages4/826.shtml
N.O. evacuees work as Red Cross volunteers

2theadvocate.com staff report

Approximately 200 New-Orleans-area evacuees are working as Red Cross volunteers in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, according to an organization official.<P>

Ashlee Gunter, assistant director of the Red Cross chapter that represents 10 parishes in the Greater Baton Rouge area, said the organization also has volunteers from Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, with more expected to come in from around the United States.<P>

But Gunter said more volunteers are invaluable for what the "enormous operation." entails.<P>

"Spontaneous volunteers are absolutely essential," Gunter said. She added that the local Greater Baton Rouge chapter has just 15 paid workers, with the rest of its crew comprising of volunteers.<P>

People interested in volunteering should go to the Red Cross office at 10201 Mayfair Drive. Prospective volunteers fill out paperwork and then undergo training for various relief efforts.

Gunter said Greater Baton Rouge Red Cross disaster assessment crews are currently working in Livingston and Ascension parishes, and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers on Tom Drive is housing supply trucks. The Lamar-Dixon Expo Center in Gonzales is being used as a shelter, and the local Red Cross unit has a 15,000 square foot warehouse stacked with goods, Gunter said.<P>

The Red Cross of New Orleans is set up in Covington, according to Gunter.<P>

In addition to requesting volunteer assistance, Gunter said the Red Cross can also use monetary donations. Financial donations should be sent to 10201 Mayfair Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70809.

How to volunteer:

American Red Cross — The Louisiana Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross requests assistance from anyone willing to help, especially people with medical or mental health backgrounds. Call [phone] or toll-free (866) GET-INFO. Volunteer packets are available at www.batonrouge.redcross.org.

Volunteers unable to get through on busy phones lines can go to the chapter office at 10201 Mayfair Drive.

Salvation Army — The Baton Rouge office, 7361 Airline Highway, is setting up warehouse distributions in Baton Rouge to send supplies and aid to the New Orleans area. They need people physically able to unload trucks and help organize supplies. To help, please call volunteer coordinator Karen Hills at [phone].