CINCINNATI – Do Tri-Staters have donor fatigue?
Coming so soon after Hurricane Florence, there’s a worry that Hurricane Michael could tax the strength and resolve of volunteers and donors to the relief efforts.
But Tim Mettey, CEO of Matthew 25: Ministries, isn't worried. Mettey says you can always count on Tri-Staters to help with supplies, clothes and compassion.
“Cincy is the most generous city in the world. They always come out,” Mettey said.
Something not so obvious are the thousands of volunteers on the front lines of a disaster. The Greater Cincinnati-Dayton Region of American Red Cross has sent 30 plus volunteers to areas around Panama City, Florida, where homes, streets and businesses have been completely wiped out by third most intense system on the U.S. mainland.
“We have not quite left Carolina yet and so for this to come so quickly on the heels of Florence causes us as an organization to shift,” said Stephanie Byrd, regional CEO of the Greater Cincinnati-Dayton Region of the American Red Cross.
While people are eager to donate, Byrd says volunteering your time is always encouraged.
“Ninety percent of the work we do is through volunteers … and right now it's up to about 95 percent,” Byrd said.
Volunteers assist with damage assessment, shelter and medical assistance, she said.
Byrd says the gratitude you get from lending helping a hand in someone's darkest hour is unmatched.
"It's a very rewarding experience to be able to help people when they need it most," she said.
Relief agencies say they're always looking for volunteers.
SEE how you can help through Matthew 25: Ministries or or your local American Red Cross
