Illinois volunteers help aid those affected by Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey has recently hit the Houston and southeast Texas area with devastating wind and rainfall. The storms that hit on Friday August 25th were predicted to create significant damage to those living in this area. According to The Washington Post, Harvey has dumped approximately 9 trillion gallons of water onto the Houston area as of Sunday at noon. That is enough to fill the entire Great Salt Lake in Salt Lake City twice! With water continuing to rise, one of the largest relief organizations, The American Red Cross, has sent out hundreds of volunteers to help. The American Red Cross provides relief for those affected by disasters, provides about 40 percent of the nation's blood by donation, and trains individuals and companies with life saving skills.

The volunteers with Red Cross going to Texas have come from all across the country and some of that help is provided by Illinois residents. Volunteers from the Chicagoland area have responded to the call to help and are in-route to the floods of Houston. With continuing rainfall, it is questioned as to whether the volunteers will be able to reach those in help. According to an article published by The American Red Cross, The Red Cross has enough shelter supplies in Texas to support 28,000 people and supplies for an additional 22,000 people are being sent in now. The Salvation Army has also requested relief boxes equipped with food and supplies, assembled by food banks. Local Midwest food banks have responded to this call and sent two semi-trucks full of disaster relief boxes to the Gulf Coast. Another two loads are being prepared for departure.

To help with those affected by Hurricane Harvey, go to The American Red Cross website and donate today.