In April, severe weather, tornadoes and flooding impacted parts of the Indiana Region. Red Cross volunteers and disaster worked jumped into action and are on the ground working with local partners in Indiana. Together, we’ve provided more than 7,700 meals and snacks and 3,000 relief supplies to some 760 households. Plus, we’ve provided 200 overnight stays in seven emergency shelters.
Volunteers from all over the country have assembled to work together during this disaster. They are here, united in their dedication to helping those who need it the most. To highlight everything our volunteers are doing, we talked to four volunteers to share their stories and their experience during this disaster response.
Angie Kaberie traveled from Wisconsin to support our efforts. She is a recently retired Veteran from the Air Force and joined the Red Cross as a part of the Disaster Response Team in March 2024. “I was looking for a purpose,” said Angie, “And to help people who needed it the most.” She had wanted to deploy, so when the opportunity arose to travel to Indiana to help, she took it. As a part of this response, Angie assists the Shelter Manager with all the details involved with shelters and the volunteers supporting them. With her military background, Angie is a wonderful asset to our shelter team.
Ousman Kah, from Georgia, has been with the Red Cross for almost 50 years! Ousman is a supervisor and specializes in setting up and organizing shelters. He wanted to give back after everything that had been done for him and his family. “I just love to help people and to just show them that someone cares,” said Ousman.
Bernard Tyrrell, who traveled from Colorado, is also a Shelter Volunteer. He specializes in assisting people with steps to rebuilding their life after a disaster. He says he starts with something small first, like getting a new license, and eventually works toward helping people secure more permanent housing. He also spoke about the impact of the Red Cross and community partners working together when disasters strike. “We’re there to help guide them through our experience.” Bernard said, “We’re here, as long as we’re needed to be here, and then we’ll be off someplace else.”
Rick Lehnert, from Minnesota, has been with the Red Cross since September 2024. After retiring, he wanted something to keep him busy and he wanted to help people. Rick arrived in Evansville to assist with shelters but says he’s been able to help wherever is needed. “It’s given me perspective,” Rick said. “The Red Cross does so much more than just blood drives.”
We are grateful to have such kind, compassionate and dedicated volunteers who come from across the country to help impacted by disaster in the Indiana Region. Our mission would not be possible without our generous volunteers. You can join our mission and make an impact where it is needed most. Visit here to learn more!
Written by Rachel Hellmer, communications intern.