CORTLAND Volunteers for Red Cross say they'll head out again

The Trumbull Red Cross chapter will remain open throughout the weekend.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- A Cortland couple who just returned from 21 days of distributing food to Florida victims of Hurricane Charley say it's the gratitude of those victims that keeps them coming back.
John and Marian Scott started as volunteers with the Trumbull County chapter of the American Red Cross in 1999. Responding to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City marked their first national relief effort.
That was the most difficult emotionally, said John Scott, a retiree from GM Lordstown's assembly plant. Working in Florida helping the hurricane victims presented the toughest physical challenge.
"The heat and the humidity and the long hours, it just takes it out of you," Marian Scott said.
Will respond again
Despite the work, the couple say they'll respond if needed in the wake of Hurricane Frances, expected to sweep through Florida over the weekend.
"We'll be rested up enough by Tuesday, and we'll be ready to go wherever it hits," John Scott said.
Tim Settles, director of emergency services for the Red Cross, said the organization is looking for 600 disaster relief workers to respond when the latest hurricane hits.
The Trumbull Chapter will remain open all weekend to help area residents find out about the welfare of family and friends who may be affected by the storm.
All of the recent disasters have stretched Red Cross resources thin, and Settles said one of the best ways to help is by making a monetary donation. Checks may be made payable to American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
When they arrived in Wauchula, Fla., a central Florida community, the Scotts saw utter devastation.
"There was debris all over the road, buildings collapsed, part of the downtown had buildings destroyed and there were a lot of cars that had been damaged by fallen trees," Marian said.
The couple traveled through communities in an ERV, or emergency response vehicle, distributing food. They delivered both lunch and dinner, with each round taking about four hours to complete. They delivered about 600 meals daily.
The ERV drives through an area, and volunteers use an intercom to announce their arrival.
Got to know victims
Settles said the vehicles arrive in an area at the same time each day so victims know when to expect their meals.
"When you go to the same area, you get to know the people by name," John Scott said.
He got to know an 88-year-old Spanish speaking woman and delivered her meals right to her door because of her difficulty walking.
"All we could understand from what one another was saying was 'Thank you,'" he said.
He performed the same service for an English woman who was blind.
It's that gratitude that keeps the couple going to disaster scenes when asked.
"It's the 'thank yous,'" said John Scott, pulling out a folder filled with notes from victims.
One brightly colored note displays outlines of children's hands with their names written inside and thanked the Red Cross.
"That one was from a little girl who was probably about 6 and her two brothers," Marian Scott said.
The girl presented the card on the third day.
"People are so appreciative," she said.
Meanwhile, the Mahoning Chapter of the American Red Cross will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. -- today, Sunday and Monday to receive inquiries from the community about the welfare of people affected by the hurricane.
The Mahoning Chapter also is sending personnel to Florida to help with relief efforts, according to Victoria Manick, chapter spokeswoman.
People can call (330) 726-6063 to make welfare inquiries. Those wishing to donate to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund should contact their local Red Cross chapter, Manick said.
denise_dick@vindy.com