TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Tucson resident, Vanessa Perry, dropped every thing to help in southwest Florida. She hopped on a flight simply two days after Hurricane Ian made landfall.
“I’ve heard some very graphic stories of the flood waters coming, being rescued, being injured and the loss of life. It’s been very stressful for them,” expressed Perry.
Perry is volunteering with the American Red Cross in Fort Myers. She helps in shelters which are housing hundreds of individuals and their pets. She primarily works as a psychological well being counselor.
“They are processing their feelings. It’s been such an honor to be able to be present for them and to support them in that moment depending on what they are feeling,” stated Perry.
Another Tucsonan, Randy Ogden, helps the American Red Cross do injury evaluation. He took images of snapped timber, downed energy traces and boats flipped on their aspect.
“I’ve seen everything from shingles being blown off of roofs to power polls collapsing on cars and buildings and houses,” stated Ogden.
Ogden is at present stationed in Sarasota, however is ready to journey farther south in the following few days.
“There’s so much loss and so much tragedy. People are getting through it they’re helping each other. There are quite a few volunteers,” stated Ogden.
He’s proud to be part of that staff.
“People from all over come together and work as a team that has never worked together. It works. They’re doing it for the right reasons. They’re doing it with their hearts,” stated Ogden.
To make a $10 donation textual content “IAN” to 90999 or name 1-800-REDCROSS for extra information on how to help.
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Megan Meier is a reporter for KGUN 9. Megan graduated from Arizona State Universityʼs Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communications in May 2018. While pursuing her diploma in broadcast journalism, Megan interned on the City of Phoenix. Share your story concepts and necessary points with Megan by emailing [email protected] or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.