Missouri Deploys Over 100 Volunteers to Aid California in Wildfire Disaster

According to a recently published Missouri.gov press release, Missouri Governor Matt Blunt announced that four of the state's employees will be going to participate in the American Red Cross Emergency Disaster Leave Program.

This program consists of volunteering for a minimum of two weeks to help the people of Southern California, especially those who were displaced or had to evacuate during the wildfires in the area.

Governor Blunt stated that, "Missourians are deeply concerned about the wildfires burning in California, and we will continue to assist with response efforts for those in need.

But not only is helping California beneficial to those people, it will also help volunteers learn how to deal with disasters and mass problems on the home front.

"This effort will also give Missourians first hand experience in mass care operations that could be applied to natural disasters here at home including our emergency earthquake planning. I commend all the compassionate Missourians who are assisting their fellow Americans in California," added Blunt.

The four mentioned state employees are just part of a larger group of over 100 Missouri residents. They are all assisting in the American Red Cross Volunteers program. The state employees come from the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri National Guard, and the State Emergency Management Agency.

The main goal of the American Red Cross in this case is to get shelter, food, water, clean up and recovery supplies, and more to those who so desperately need it in any area of crisis or disaster. They are also working to get people connected back to their friends and families through toll free hot lines.

"It's heart-breaking to see how many people are being displaced by these wildfires," said St. Louis, Missouri resident Anne Volus. "My friend and her family live just north of San Diego and I worry about them every day now. Sometimes it's the effort of a community, or in the case a country, that makes everyone pull through for each other. Missouri is doing their part in providing relief. It's only a short time before more and more states will do the same."