JACKSONVILLE, Fla — The death toll linked to the wildfires in Los Angeles has now jumped up to 24 people, and the Northeast Florida chapter of the American Red Cross is asking for local volunteers to assist those who have lost their homes and possessions on the West Coast.
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As of right now, two local volunteers have been cleared to help those families impacted.
Red Cross officials said it has been difficult to find volunteers in Jacksonville willing to go to California where the fires are still raging. Since we came out of an intense hurricane season, they said many of those volunteers are still resting and recovering after last year’s storms.
They are expecting fewer volunteers to come out right now.
One volunteer, Donovan Gonsal said it is devastating to see parts of his hometown burn to the ground.
“Pasadena is the city of roses. I have it tattooed on my arm. I grew up there and so did my family. That’s all that I know,” said Gonsal.
He said his grandmother’s old home was destroyed in the fires along with some of his closest friends’ homes.
The Red Cross states almost 900 people in the Los Angeles area are sitting in shelters right now.
Regional CEO of the American Red Cross in Northeast Florida, Christian Smith said the shelters in California need people who can help feed and distribute necessities to the growing number of evacuees. Right now, she said more than 300 Red Cross volunteers from across the country are working on the ground in California.
“We’re looking for volunteers that have a heart to serve. We do a comprehensive training program. Ideally, we need you to come in now and start that training,” said Smith.
If you’re interested in donating to the American Red Cross or becoming a volunteer, click here.
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