DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The devastation and destruction continues, as raging flames continue to engulf homes in California. With over 12,000 structures burnt to the ground, many residents are left to pick up the pieces.
The heartbreak hasn't gone unnoticed here in central Illinois, as many local organizations are beginning to pack up aid and resources to help those impacted.
"It really doesn't matter if those people are a street over or they're across the country," said Jayce Eustice, Regional Communications Manager for the American Red Cross of Illinois.
Groups like the American Red Cross and ImpactLife are sending help.
"We heard from a hospital in Los Angeles last Friday requesting help for their blood supply," shared Kirby Winn, Public Relations Manager for ImpactLife. "Our inventory management and distribution team packed red blood cells that the hospital requested to go out as as same day delivery to that location."
With hospitals still open and treating patients, the need for blood has not stopped.
Eustice said that over the weekend, they sent five Red Cross volunteers over to California. One of the volunteers is from Decatur.
"Our big focus is on sheltering. A lot of the people will be helping in that aspect: making sure that people have that safe place to stay — a shoulder to lean on— a bed to sleep in," he explained.
For ways you can donate to ImpactLife, click here: www.bloodcenter.org/now
If you would like to assist the American Red Cross in their efforts to help the victims of the wildfires, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767). You can also text CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a donation.
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