Nationwide disasters has the American Red Cross seeking assistance; here's how you can help

MILWAUKEE -- From raging fires and hurricanes to flooding -- the American Red Cross responds immediately to disasters. But it seems this past year there has been an exceptional amount of devastation.

When rising waters receded, the American Red Cross entered.

"Everything that people owned is at the curb and you can see the water marks on houses. Everyone was affected," said Evelyn Krawczyk, American Red Cross volunteer.

Evelyn Krawczyk

Evelyn Krawczyk volunteered for two weeks in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

"The needs were tremendous," said Krawczyk.

As of Friday, as many as 1,500 people were seeking refuge in 13 Red Cross and community shelters after historic flooding.

Volunteers assisted with emergency needs.

"The ERV trucks are going out and feeding people and giving water and giving supplies," said Krawczyk.

Also providing aid that wasn't tangible.

"I did mental health in the shelter. It's offering hope, support," said Krawczyk.

These efforts go on nationwide. Just in the month of August in Wisconsin alone, the organization has responded to 81 disasters -- financially supporting more than 460 people.

From snacks to blankets and everything in between, donor dollars help fund emergency items like toothbrushes, shampoo, etc.

To help with the cost, the American Red Cross is also using virtual deployment as another resource.

"I am going to stay here in Wisconsin, using my computer and my phone and helping those families get some financial resources, some of those things that will help them," said American Red Cross Regional CEO, Patty Flowers.

Help at no expense and a way to maximize all available resources.

"We need to start replenishing those volunteers because they are coming back tired. We are stretched but we are capable and handling it. We just want more because we need more always," said Flowers.

For people who can't ravel and want to assist, there is a way to do that.

For people who cannot travel and want to assist or if you'd like to donate, CLICK HERE.