It was a two day drive for American Red Cross volunteers from Connecticut. On Saturday afternoon, they arrived at a staging area in Orlando, Florida with the aim of making sure victims from Hurricane Ian get needed food and water.
“I’m looking forward to serving food daily. This is why we train. This is why we rest up,” American Red Cross volunteer Joe Apicelli tells us.
Their emergency response vehicle is one of more than a hundred Red Cross vehicles from across the country deployed to Orlando where they’ll be inspected once again before being given their feeding routes.
Each vehicle is able to store more than 400 meals and beverages.
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“Two hot meals a day, a protein, sides, bread. We’ll provide beverages,” American Red Cross volunteer Jon Basso explained.
By giving out meals, Apicelli says he hopes this gives storm victims one less thing to think about after what’s likely their worst life experience.
“We’re going to get down there and we’re going to fix what’s not right and make it right,” said Apicelli.
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Once the routes are known, volunteers can begin giving out meals Sunday morning.
Apicelli says Ian’s destruction will present some logistical challenges in getting that help to the storm victims.
“Highways are flooded. Bridges will be out. Roads are destroyed,” noted Apicelli.
Despite the obstacles, he says the volunteers on the ground are committed to their mission.
“It fills your heart and all you want to do is do it more and I’m going to be with a lot of people with the same mindset,” added Apicelli.
A mindset to brighten some hearts in the sunshine state.
