The American Red Cross has been mobilizing volunteers and relief supplies to send to the Florida Panhandle as Hurricane Helene moves into the area.

The Red Cross has assigned some 360 trained disaster workers, including five volunteers from Kansas. They are ready to help with sheltering, feeding and logistics.  Wichita residents Tim and Jana Stocker are volunteering for hurricane relief for the second time this season.  They fed Texas residents after Hurricane Beryl in July.

The Red Cross has deployed trailers of supplies and is ready to open dozens of shelters to help people in need. The Red Cross is also readying some 45,000 snacks and ready-to-eat meals, as well as emergency response vehicles.   Hundreds of blood products are also being sent to the area to make sure blood remains available for patients in the areas affected by the storm.

The public is being asked to help with the disaster relief effort, by making a financial donation or an appointment to give blood or platelets by visiting redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767).