Arizona Red Cross volunteer heads south to help families uprooted by severe storms
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — More than 20 states across the country were hit by severe weather, killing at least 40 people from the Midwest through the South. Tornadoes and strong winds ripped apart homes and businesses as the storm system that brought us rain and snow Thursday continued moving east.
People in the path of destruction lost so much, whether it was power, cars or their homes. Now volunteers are stepping up to travel to lend a helping hand to some of the areas that were hit the hardest. Arizona Red Cross Volunteer Frank Lagorio is taking a red-eye flight tonight to Alabama to help coordinate the response there. At least three people were killed after seven tornadoes hit the state this weekend.
“You’re bringing people hope who have lost everything,” Lagorio said. “It puts you into a position where you can do a lot of good for folks and help them to get through what are the worst moments in their lives.”
Lagorio has responded to the South before for similar storms. He was recently in California helping with the wildfire response. Lagorio has volunteered to help during natural disasters for several years and got emotional talking about how difficult life is for people after they are hit by severe weather.
“I was able to give her a pair of sandals because she didn’t have shoes. She was so grateful,” he said. “It was overpowering.”
Lagorio says he will help deliver necessities to people who lost power, their homes or just need some supplies. The Red Cross helps supply almost anything from water and food to sunscreen and towels. They can help supply people with what they need to get through a day as they clear debris or move from a damaged home.
“I didn’t realize I’d get as much out of it as I do. It can be pretty impactful,” Lagorio said.
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