Local Volunteers Spend Labor Day Helping Hurricane Evacuees

Hundreds of Hurricane Evacuees are in Chattanooga on Labor Day seeking shelter from the storm.

One agency leader said it's the volunteers who are the life blood of making those evacuees feel at home.

This isn't how John & Sabrina Wikle planned to spend their Labor Day, but they say they're glad to do it.

John & Sabrina are manning the Salvation Army Canteen at the Brainerd Rec. Center, the first of Chattanooga's Red Cross Shelters for hurricane evacuees. 

John says, "Something that needs to be done."  Sabrina joins in, "Volunteers have to do it to make it work."

As the temperature creeps up, the Wikles keep evacuees stocked with cold drinks and snacks. Other volunteers keep things flowing inside the shelter.

Claudia Moore, Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Chattanooga American Red Cross says, "Direct people to the showers, make sure that we have enough supplies. If somebody's having a medical issue the health department has a little clinic set up."

There not the only ones...Volunteers from Tennessee's Disaster Medical Assistance team were deployed during Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma.

This year, they're already in Baton Rouge waiting out Gustav.

Back here at home...Volunteers from various agencies including the Red Cross, Salvation Army, and even Hamilton Co. Schools came together to make this work.

Gordon Hall, Communications Director for Chattanooga's Salvation Army says, "We have the basic logistics set up through TEMA, through the various agencies that are working here. But it's the hands on volunteers that make sure that everything really pulls together."

And...as these volunteers forego Labor Day picnics and family gatherings, they say they gather here for a reason...

John Wikle says, "They're giving up their weekend by being here and they have no choice. We have a choice and it's a good choice."

Relief efforts always need more hands.

If you'd like to help the Chattanooga Red Cross is holding a volunteer training session Tuesday at noon.

The office is located at 801 McCallie Ave.

Calling 423-265-3455 or visit ChattanoogaRedCross.org to register.