Media advisory: Red Cross volunteers set to depart Pittsburgh for North Carolina in emergency response vehicle
On Thursday, October 3, 2024, the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania will deploy two disaster volunteers in an emergency response vehicle from the Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter to support Hurricane Helene relief efforts. So far, more than 30 volunteers from the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania have been deployed to help people affected by Helene in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee and the Carolinas.
Red Cross volunteers Dennis Bayne, of New Kensington, and Paul Stillitano, of Avonmore, will drive a Red Cross emergency response vehicle from Pittsburgh to Charlotte, North Carolina, where they will receive further assignments. Bayne and Stillitano are seasoned volunteers with experience deploying to major disasters including hurricanes Debby and Idalia.
Red Cross emergency response vehicles have been deployed from all over the country, including several from our Pennsylvania fleet, to distribute meals, water and critical relief supplies in some of areas hit hardest by Helene.
Media is invited to the Red Cross office in Pittsburgh’s Strip District (2801 Liberty Ave.) for interviews and photo opportunities with the volunteers beginning at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, October 3. The volunteers will depart around 9 a.m. Please see map below for parking information.
HELP PEOPLE AFFECTED BY HELENE People affected by Hurricane Helene need urgent help now, and we can’t do this alone. You can help by making a financial donation by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting the word HELENE to 90999. Financial donations for Hurricane Helene enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from this disaster. If you would like to volunteer with the Red Cross, visit redcross.org/volunteer to learn more.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org. Follow the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania on Facebook, X, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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Parking information for media:
Parking is available for this event in the Red Cross parking lot off Penn Ave. in the Strip District, just past the 29th St. intersection. After parking, walk along Spring Way (towards 28th St.) to arrive at the interview area, located near the front doors of the American Red Cross.
