Red Cross Shelter Opening in Russells Point

The American Red Cross continues to respond to communities affected by last week’s deadly tornadoes in Central Ohio

March 20, 2024 — Our hearts go out to those affected by the deadly March 14th tornadoes which left a path of destruction through Central Ohio, including the communities surrounding Indian Lake. Red Cross volunteers and staff have been on the ground since the storms struck, working tirelessly with our community partners to help the individuals, families and communities impacted by these storms.

A Red Cross emergency shelter is now open at the Gaillee Lutheran Church, located at 301 Lincoln Boulevard, Russells Point, Ohio. This shelter is available to anyone seeking an overnight stay, or simply a place to take a break throughout the day for a meal or snacks, access to electricity, emotional support, or conversation. Pets are welcome at this Red Cross shelter. The shelter previously operated by the Red Cross in Bellefontaine, Ohio is now being managed by the
Bellefontaine First Church of God.

In partnership with the Southern Baptist Disaster Relief (SBDR), the Red Cross has begun mobile feeding operations in and around the Russell’s Point area; look for the large vehicles with the Red Cross logo. In addition, there is a fixed site for meals in the parking lot of the Osgood Bank in 165 E. Lake Street, Lakeview, Ohio. Through this longstanding national level partnership, members of the Southern Baptist Ministry prepare food in their SBDR operated field kitchen and the
meals are delivered to those areas most affected by Red Cross volunteers driving our Emergency Response Vehicles.

INDIVIDUALS NEEDING ASSISTANCE

Residents impacted by these tornadoes do not need to be staying at a shelter to receive Red Cross services. If you, or someone you know, needs Red Cross assistance, please call 1-800-RedCross.

Alongside our community partners, Red Cross volunteers are providing a safe place to stay, food to eat and a shoulder to lean on as people begin to pick up the pieces after the storm. The Red Cross has been conducting disaster assessments, providing disaster health and emotional support, offering service referrals, and going directly into the hardest hit areas when safe to do so, serving meals and distributing relief supplies.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

FINANCIAL DONATIONS

The Red Cross will be working side-by-side with our partners to help people in need for weeks and months to come. People can help those affected by disasters like last week’s tornadoes and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. Gifts to Disaster Relief enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to, and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-REDCROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

DONATIONS OF HOUSEHOLD ITEM

After a disaster, people are incredibly generous and ask how best to help.

Financial donations are the quickest and best way to support people impacted by disasters. Donations of clothing and household items divert resources away from our mission, whereas financial donations can be directedly to those in need more quickly. There are wonderful partner organizations throughout the community working to collect and distribute these items.

VOLUNTEER

The Central & Southern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross has received over 140 volunteer applications since March 15, showing the incredible empathy and generosity of the people in our region. You can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday and start the process of becoming a Red Cross volunteer today.