Colorado Springs Red Cross helping Mississippi tornado victims

At least four people are dead and hundreds are displaced after tornadoes ripped through the South late last week, and now the American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado is stepping up to help with the disaster relief.

Last Friday powerful tornadoes from Texas to Virginia caused devastation and heartbreak, from the loss of homes and property to the irreplaceable loss of life.

Mississippi was hit especially hard, and without missing a beat, one local volunteer with the American Red Cross hit the road to join 71 Red Cross volunteers from across the country. They’re tasked with damage assessment and identifying the number of homes that were destroyed.

A spokesman with the Red Cross tells us about 260 homes were damaged or destroyed across 54 counties in Mississippi. Coloradans know this type of destruction all too well, with the Waldo Canyon and Black Forest Fires fresh in our memories.

“The way I look at it, we’re paying back to the people who’ve helped us in our time of need. That’s why I think it’s important for Coloradans to support disaster relief efforts in other parts of our country. And it’s all part of us, being Americans and being a part of the American Red Cross.” said Thomas Gonzalez, Executive Director of the American Red Cross in Southeastern Colorado.

If you’re interested in volunteering or giving a donation all you have to do is visit Redcross.org or call 1-800-REDCROSS.