Governor Terry McAuliffe signed an order on Thursday stating that the Commonwealth now has the authority and resources necessary to support relief efforts in areas most affected by Hurricane Matthew.
“Even if this storm misses Virginia, we have a responsibility to our sister states to facilitate efforts to respond to this disaster and keep families safe. This order will help get crews, equipment and relief supplies into the states most impacted by Matthew, and we stand ready to provide additional resources as necessary,” McAuliffe said in a statement Thursday.
The American Red Cross is looking for donations and volunteers to give blood. Visit the Virginia Red Cross website or call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Donations will help rebuild houses and send food and supplies to areas in need. Red Cross officials are expecting Matthew to affect the national blood supply. Because of the dangerous weather conditions, about 40 Red Cross blood drives were canceled in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The Red Cross is in need of people to donate their blood and platelets, especially in areas affected by Matthew. On Thursday, Oct. 13, there will be a blood drive at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, and on Friday, Oct. 21, there will be a drive at the VCU Health building at 1250 E. Marshall St.
The Salvation Army of Florida has 31 mobile feeding trucks ready to respond, along with field kitchens and shower trailers. The organization is accepting donations on their website or by phone at 1-800-Sal-Army, or text STORM to 51555 to receive a link that will allow you to donate.
The nonprofit organization World Vision is directing most of its efforts toward helping individuals affected by the hurricane in Haiti. They are accepting donations through their website in various amounts; a contribution as small as $16 will provide a hygiene kit, which includes basic necessities like soap, shampoo, deodorant and a toothbrush.
Find more information and tools for giving at the USAID's Center for International Disaster Information.
