The American Red Cross is putting boots on the ground across the states as hurricane recovery continues

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WAFF) – With 26 people dead after tornadoes hit Mississippi and North Alabama, the American Red Cross is helping people whose lives have been changed by this natural disaster.

Huntsville Red Cross Executive Director Chris Anderson maintains a positive outlook through the tragic moments.

“I can see communities, I can see society at its best,” he said.

He spoke to me from Tupelo, Mississippi. He’s waiting there to see where the organization needs him and his team. Volunteers from across the South have been flooding into the area to leave their mark after multiple storms.

“Being able to serve people at possibly the worst time in their lives, we can tell them we’re here,” he said. “We don’t understand exactly what they’re going through, but we’re here to help them and hopefully give them hope.”

Anderson says the first thing they do is assess the damage to see exactly what is needed and where it is needed.

“Feeding, mass care, which are supplies – and shelter. That’s our primary responsibility.”

He says even though he’s in Mississippi, the needs of North Alabama aren’t being overlooked.

“You don’t see them in your neighborhood, they don’t go out and talk to every customer, but they’re in the neighborhood assessing where the damage is and trying to figure out what that community needs.”

He also encourages people to think about how they can get involved, because even after the Red Cross moves, those affected have to live with their own difficulties.

“Now everyone is thankful that they are alive, very thankful that they were saved from it. Many people are saddened by the loss of society and saddened by the loss of things, but moving forward there is a long road to recovery. “

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