WNY/Finger Lakes Region Sends Eight Volunteers to assist in Central NY Flooding Response

Red Cross providing shelter, food for affected residents

BUFFALO, NY, June 29, 2013 – The American Red Cross has launched a relief operation in Central New York in response to massive flooding across the region Friday. A total of eight volunteers from the Western New York and Finger Lakes Regions have deployed to assist in the response, including the opening of a shelter at the Mohawk Valley Community College in Utica. The deployed volunteers initially reported to Regional Headquarters in Syracuse to receive their specific assignments.

A list of volunteers who have been deployed is below. The volunteers are unavailable for interviews, but to arrange an interview with a Red Cross representative, please contact Jay Bonafede at (716) 435-7468 or joseph.bonafede@redcross.org

NAME, HOMETOWN                               FUNCTION                                                

Stephen Erbland, Dansville                            Logistics

Ari Gottlib, Rochester                                   Logistics

Michael Hoplight, Niagara Falls                     Logistics

Patricia Jung, Wellsville                                 Staff Services

Sarah Perkins, Pittsford                                 Disaster Assessment

Diane Sargent, Lockport                               Disaster Assessment

Gary Thompson, Finger Lakes Region           Logistics

Mary Walls, Williamsville                              Disaster Assessment

HOW TO HELP Those who would like to help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and other crises can make a donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. People can donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. These donations help provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.