From staff reports

PARKERSBURG — Today is Red Cross Giving Day, when the nonprofit organization seeks financial support for its mission to help families facing disaster.

“Our volunteers are there, helping families standing outside in pajamas, watching everything change in minutes,” Erica Mani, chief executive officer for the Central Appalachia Region of the American Red Cross, said in a news release. “They are handing out blankets to shivering children and sitting with parents in shock. In those moments, a warm place to stay and someone saying, ‘We’re here for you,’ means everything.”

Severe and volatile weather is common this time of year, with heightened flood risks from coast to coast and wildfire threats in drought-stricken communities from the Southwest to the Southeast.

In January, severe winter storms forced families across multiple states to turn to the Red Cross for support, the release said. That month alone, the organization provided more meals and snacks than during the previous January’s record-breaking wildfires in Los Angeles. In February, more than 100 shelters were opened across the country for families displaced by winter storms stretching from California to the Northeast, alongside extensive flooding on the West Coast and wildfires across the Plains.

Residents of the American Red Cross’ Central Appalachian Region over the past year have experienced disasters including a number of flooding events and winter storms that impacted hundreds of people. Volunteers have provided comfort to more than 400 families, including nearly 1,000 people who experienced home fires in the Central Appalachia Region since Jan. 1, the release said.

The Red Cross asks people to support its efforts today by contributing online at redcross.org/givingday.

Gifts ahead of emergencies help stock warehouses with urgently needed relief supplies; train volunteers in advance so they can respond immediately; maintain ready vehicles, logistics systems and equipment; and set up shelters quickly in pre-identified, safe locations, the release said.

The organization said it welcomes gifts of any size, noting a donation of $20 can provide a day of meals for someone impacted by a disaster.

People unable to contribute financially can support the Red Cross mission by volunteering or donating blood, the release said. This year’s severe weather has caused thousands of blood donations to go uncollected. Donors in unaffected areas make it possible for the Red Cross to continue meeting patient needs.

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Sandwich Sales

The sandwich chain Jersey Mike’s Subs is having its own, separate Day of Giving today, with 100% of sales made today at its 12 West Virginia locations to support 22 Team West Virginia participants in the Special Olympics in June in Minnesota. It’s part of the company’s 16th annual Month of Giving campaign.