Red Cross seeks donations, volunteers to help storm evacuees

The American Red Cross is seeking donations and volunteers to help support Hurricane Matthew evacuees.

Middle Georgia residents are asked to coordinate any donations or volunteer efforts through the American Red Cross offices. The agency has opened shelters in Middle Georgia, including three in Macon and another in Fort Valley.

The Red Cross needs new towels, soap, shampoo, washcloths, pillows and blankets for evacuees. To help, contact the American Red Cross at 478-743-8671.

Shelters in Macon are open at the Hephzibah Children’s Home, 6601 Zebulon Road; North Macon Park Community Center, 815 N. Macon Park Drive; and East Macon Recreation Center at 3326 Ocmulgee E. Blvd. Shelter is also available in Fort Valley at Peach County Fire Station No. 6, 1770 U.S. 341.

The North Macon Park shelter is accepting families with pets, according to a Macon-Bibb County news release.

“People are encouraged to bring their own animal food, and they should plan to stay at the shelter to feed and care for their animals,” the release said.

Fort Valley sets up evacuation center

Fort Valley State University is now a center for evacuations and Fort Valley Festival Park is equipped to handle evacuees who have recreational vehicles, Fort Valley Main Street Director Kathie Lambert said in an email.

“There will be an increase in people at our restaurants and gas stations,” the email said. “Please be aware and as helpful to these people who have so much on their minds at this terrible time.”

This story was originally published October 6, 2016 at 1:31 PM with the headline "Red Cross seeks donations, volunteers to help storm evacuees."