Red Cross Seeks Donations In Wake Of Hurricane Matthew

The American Red Cross said it has mobilized a massive response effort spanning four states as thousands of east coast residents are still suffering after Hurricane Matthew. 

The Red Cross said flood waters continue to rise to historic levels in parts of North Carolina and as of Tuesday, 4,500 people were still seeking refuge in 77 Red Cross and community shelters across the southeast. 

Since Matthew first made landfall last week, the Red Cross and community partners have served thousands of meals and snacks and provided more than 70,000 overnight stays in shelters. 

"The Red Cross is providing food, shelter, comfort, emotional support and health services to help people cope with this devastation," the nonprofit organization wrote in a news release. "Hurricane Matthew also forced the cancellation of 95 Red Cross blood drives in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, resulting in nearly 3,000 blood and platelet donations going uncollected. Blood and platelet donations are urgently needed."

The Red Cross said it depends on donations to provide immediate relief. 

Those who want to help people affected by Hurricane Matthew can assist by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word MATTHEW to 90999 to make a $10 donation. 

"Donations enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster," the Red Cross stated. "We are also asking eligible individuals in parts of the country unaffected by the storm to make an appointment to donate blood or platelets as soon as possible."

Appointments can be made by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting redcrossblood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).