KNOXVILLE (WATE) - The East Tennessee Region of the American Red Cross said it sent additional volunteers to Gulf Coast areas battered by Tropical Storm Isaac.
A total of 35 volunteers has gone to the region so far, and officials said more are expected to be deployed through Labor Day weekend.
Twenty-three of the volunteers are based in the Knoxville Area Chapter. The others come from Chattanooga and the Tri-Cities. Each volunteer expects to serve at least two weeks.
The Red Cross is responding across multiple states, providing thousands of people with a safe, dry place to stay and something to eat.
On Wednesday night, more than 5,200 people stayed in 80 Red Cross or community shelters in six states.
"We need your help," said Regional Communications Director Stan Gibert. "This is a very large relief response that will last a long time. The Red Cross will be there for weeks helping people recover."
He added that Red Cross resources were already stretched after responding to wildfires, power outages and floods this summer.
You can donate on the Red Cross website, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
