The Greater Richmond Chapter of the American Red Cross is sending two of its local volunteers to Madison, Wisc. to help aid in the relief effort of the Midwest floods.

Thus far, over 2,500 Red Cross workers have been involved in the relief efforts.  Longtime volunteer Nancy Kent left Richmond this morning to serve as a staffing manager and will coordinate the filling of Red Cross response positions.

Leaving for Wisconsin tomorrow is Chesterfield County resident Ken Strout.  This is the fourth major national assignment for Strout; he has worked on flooding relief efforts in New York, relief efforts in Tampa following Hurricane Ernesto, and recently worked in Mississippi following Hurricane Katrina.

The Red Cross is currently responding to major disasters across the United States: wildfires in California, tornadoes in Kansas, floods in Wisconsin and Illinois and both flooding and tornadoes in Indiana, Iowa, West Virginia and Nebraska.

In response to these disasters, thus far, the organization has housed more than 8,000 people in 90 shelters, served more than 285,000 snacks and meals, staffed 60 mobile feeding units and opened more than 2,500 cases of affected victims.

"These floods and tornadoes are an example of why the Red Cross must be ready to respond on a moment's notice," stated Reggie Gordon, Greater Richmond Chapter CEO.

This is a critical time for the Red Cross as the organization is in dire need of funds. To help these and other disaster victims, on-line donations may be made on www.redcross.org. Financial contribution can also be mailed to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 655, Richmond, Virginia 23218 or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or (804) 780-2250.