In the widespread and devastating aftermath of Hurricane Florence, many residents in the Carolinas and the East Coast still are unable to return to their damaged homes due to rising flood waters.
Automotive Parts Associates (APA) made a financial contribution to the American Red Cross to help provide essential resources to those affected by the Category 1 hurricane, which made landfall on Sept. 14.
“Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the people affected by Hurricane Florence,” said Benjamin Yelowitz, APA board of directors secretary-treasurer. ”With APA members spread across North America, when disasters like this happen it affects us all. By providing financial assistance, we are able to support the distressed residents with crucial necessities and meals as well as other supplies for volunteers.”
According to the National Weather Service, the initial rainfall totals reached as high as 35.6 inches as wind gusted as high as 106 mph, causing storm surges as high as 13 feet and catastrophic flooding, resulting in 41 casualties and thousands of people still without electricity. As of Sept. 27, the American Red Cross noted that the night before, more than 1,660 people stayed in 30 Red Cross emergency shelters in the Carolinas alone.
According to the Red Cross, 3,500 disaster workers and volunteers have served more than 890,600 meals and snacks to those affected and have distributed 110,700 relief items such as diapers and hygiene kits to those forced from their homes. The Red Cross is urging those in unaffected areas to give platelets and blood, especially those with Type O blood. Financial contributions can be made in $10 increments by texting the word “FLORENCE” to 90999.
