Local volunteers deploy for Hurricane Ida; here’s how you can help

ORLANDO, Fla. — As Hurricane Ida continues to strengthen in the Gulf of Mexico, some local organizations are getting ready to lend a hand.

While it’s still uncertain exactly when and where Ida will make landfall, one thing is for sure -- workers from Central Florida will be ready to pitch in wherever they’re needed.

READ: Live updates on Hurricane Ida

On Saturday, local American Red Cross volunteers, including Leland Hughlett, departed Orlando and Tampa, headed for areas expected to be impacted by Hurricane Ida.

The Red Cross said it was in the process of mobilizing hundreds of volunteers Saturday who will be ready to provide mass care services to potential storm victims.

The organization said its crews were pre-positioning shelter and relief supplies in advance of Ida’s landfall.

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Officials also noted that all volunteers who deploy have completed advanced health screenings and COVID-19 operating protocols.

The American Red Cross is reminding Central Floridians that they don’t need to be on the front lines to pitch in.

You can help by making a gift to Red Cross Disaster Relief:

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HOW TO DONATE:

• Visit www.redcross.org
• Call 1-800-RED-CROSS
• Text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Financial donations enable the Red Cross to help people prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters like hurricanes or countless other crises.

If you’d like to become a Red Cross volunteer, click here to get started.