As Florida faces the aftermath of Hurricane Milton, which struck hard Wednesday night and Thursday morning, the need for volunteers to help manage the ensuing chaos is more acute than ever. An intense call has been issued by the Arizona Red Cross, urging individuals to step forward in aid of their Southeastern neighbors. With the compounded distress brought on by not only Milton but also the recent Hurricane Helene, the organization has significantly streamlined their training program to meet the urgent requirement for skilled hands in shelter operation. "We need as many people who are wanting to go," Michael Young of the Florida Red Cross told FOX 10 Phoenix.
Despite having hung up his volunteer hat nearly two decades ago after Hurricane Katrina, Dennis Fleshman found himself moved by the plight those in the wake of the recent storms. While learning how to assemble a cot, "Everything that’s in here will go into a shelter once it's open," said Fleshman, who had decided to come back.
Additionally, the Red Cross, recognizing the immensity of the demand, has concocted an expedited 'Shelter Academy'. This effort is orchestrated to hasten the preparation of willing volunteers so they can be dispatched to areas most in need. According to an ABC15 report, Thursday's academy saw more than 20 participants earnestly absorbing the necessary knowledge to aid in the disaster zones spread throughout the Southeast.
