Hurricanes Effect Local Area

Your local chapter of the American Red Cross, like most chapters around the country, was heavily impacted by the hurricanes that hit the coast of Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida during 2005.  Not only did local individuals reach out to help victims through monetary and in-kind contributions but many individuals came forward to be trained to help in the affected areas as well as at home.

Local individuals and organizations contributed over $71,000 to American Red Cross relief operations for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma.  All of those funds were sent to our national organization as part of the 1.8 billion dollar expected budget for these operations.  As citizens across the country contributed money, many also contributed goods that were needed by the disaster victims.  Through private donations a truck load of water and other necessary items were delivered directly to the Gulf Coast from our area.

During the weeks following Katrina many individuals came forward to be trained as Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) Volunteers.  This is the system that shares volunteers to help in major relief operations.  20 persons eventually were deployed to assist in various locations.  Other volunteers and groups came forward to help with the 46 families that relocated here from the affected area.  They assisted in housing issues, clothing and furniture drives, and sponsorship programs and in many other ways.  Volunteers represent 95% of American Red Cross staff assisting in time of disaster and many of our local citizens provided untold hours to help their neighbors in need. 

2005 Hurricane Relief is the largest disaster relief operation ever to hit the United States or the American Red Cross.  Likewise the response of the citizens of Leavenworth County, KS was the largest outpouring of assistance since the Chapter was formed in 1919.  Thanks to individuals, groups, companies and churches we were able to hold our heads high and say:  WE HELPED!

Floods Effect Local Area

Early on the morning of October 2, 2005 the rains fell in torrents.  Storm drains overflowed, streams became rivers and homes and businesses were devastated.  Daylight brought the knowledge that there had been major damage to parts of Northeast Kansas.  Many Leavenworth, KS citizens found inches or feet of water in there homes, businesses were inundated by the fast moving deluge.  The City of Easton, KS put out a warning that Stranger Creek was expected to flood and that evacuation was recommended.  Many rural families found that their homes and fields were under water and roads were cut off by overflowing streams.

The Leavenworth County Chapter of the American Red Cross began a double pronged relief operation.  A shelter and fixed feeding site were set up in Easton at the Easton Community Center. The nursing home was evacuated and many residents left the area.  Access became difficult due to flooded roads and volunteers prepared for a multiple day Mass Care operation.   In Leavenworth, the Red Cross office acted as the relief site for our organization.  Housing, food and clothing were offered to many families.  Volunteers were sent to the Country Care on Broadway in any way possible.

By Monday, October 3 we were aware that we were not the only communities effected.  Later, the Red Cross Disaster Relief Operation was consolidated to include 5 counties in Kansas. 

The days that followed have been difficult for many victims, many of who are still not back into their homes or businesses.  As relief operation slow down it has become important to remember that the lives of these persons may never return to “normal” and we ask that as neighbors we all assist in any way that we can. 

This Page Last Updated: March 13, 2006

© Copyright 2005, The American National Red Cross. All Rights Reserved.
Our Privacy Policy