Angela Brandt
Havre Daily News
abrandt@havredailynews.com
Cindy Smith was in good spirits Wednesday even though she was heading to the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. The Havre nurse was on her way to Baton Rouge, La., after finishing training in Houston to aid Red Cross relief efforts.
"I have bug spray and a lot of supplies," Smith, director of nursing for the Hill County Health Department, said in an interview via her cell phone.
Smith was unsure where she'll end up or what she'll be doing. Along with three volunteers from California, she was headed to find out her fate. She said there will be a lot to do and she was anxious to get there.
"You can see it on TV but you don't know what it will really be like until you get there," Smith said.
Smith is a part of what the American Red Cross says is the largest mobilization of resources for a single natural disaster in its history. She said Red Cross has been well-organized and it's a "great bunch of people."
Volunteers don't have to be registered nurses, like Smith, to help. Anyone with any skill is welcome, said Lisa Sydnor, a Red Cross manager for Montana and Wyoming. They need people for everything from doing office work to emptying trash cans, she added. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, in good health and able to commit at least seven days.
Classes for volulnteers are being held on Sept. 7 and Sept. 10 at the Red Cross' Big Sky District Office, 1300 28th St. S., in Great Falls. Call (406) 727-2212 for times and more information.
To donate to the Red Cross call (800) HELP NOW or go to www.redcross.org.
