(Le Mars) — During the Le Mars Chamber of Commerce coffee held this morning at the NIPCO headquarters southwest of town, NIPCO Chief Executive Officer Matt Washburn presented Tammy Lee of the Siouxland Chapter of American Red Cross with
a check amounting to $1,000. Washburn informed the gathering after a tornado had hit the town of Mapleton, a few years back, he noticed power utility crews and volunteers of the American Red Cross were the people rushing into a disaster area, while
everyone else was trying to flee the area. He thought at that time, it only made sense for NIPCO to partner with the American Red Cross.
Washburn made reference to the three devastating hurricanes that have hit Texas, Florida, Georgia, and now Puerto Rico, and how Iowa Rural Electric Cooperatives sent crews and trucks to Georgia to assist with the restoration of power.
Tammy Lee told the group that relief efforts are still on-going for the southern states. Lee asked the people “How do you make a difference?” She says everyone can make a difference by donating monetary funds, by donating blood, or by donating their time as a volunteer. Lee says nearly 5200 volunteers are still deployed at the hurricane areas. The American Red Cross official says additional help is still needed to continue the relief efforts as the initial group of volunteers conclude their deployment time period.
Lee also mentioned that while our attention may be devoted to the hurricane victims, we also can’t forget about the many ways volunteers are needed, here at home.
Following the check presentation, KLEM news spoke with Lee and asked if because of the many multiple disasters that have occurred in a short period of time, is the American Red Cross running thin on their resources?
Lee says people need to remember that donations and volunteers will both still be needed long after the news media moves on to another story. Lee says people interested in donating their time, money, or blood should contact the American Red Cross in Sioux City.
