A crew of volunteers from the Dakota's region of the Red Cross are deploying to Louisiana today. Five of the seven heading to help flood victims left Sioux Falls this morning.
Dramatic flooding in Louisiana has left thousands without a home. Many of those people are ending up in Red Cross managed or supported shelters.
Staff at those shelters will feature several faces from KELOLAND who are leaving their families here at home to chip in for several weeks.
"A lot of people facing some of the most devastating times of their lives. I know that they need the help. That's why I go," Rhoades said.
Brindia Hall from Sioux Falls used to live in Louisiana and has been a flood victim herself. She says the current situation reminds her of the damage left behind by Hurrican Rita and Katrina.
"We are here, when we get there, to let them know, hey we're here. We want to help you. Don't be afraid because we know what it feels like personally," Hall said.
While Hall is flying south, Rhoades will be driving the Emergency Response Vehicle across the country.
"Yeah, according to MapQuest it's about 17 hours, but it's worth it. Every minute," Rhoades said.
If you would like to help, you can donate $10 to the cause by texting LAFLOODS to 90999.
Dramatic flooding in Louisiana has left thousands without a home. Many of those people are ending up in Red Cross managed or supported shelters.
Staff at those shelters will feature several faces from KELOLAND who are leaving their families here at home to chip in for several weeks.
Holsen: Why do you want to do this?Rhoades from Sioux Falls has deployed to disaster areas six times in 14 months with the Red Cross. When he saw the damage in Louisiana, his emotions took over and he just had to get there.
Rich Rhoades: To help people. I enjoy the feeling of helping people.
"A lot of people facing some of the most devastating times of their lives. I know that they need the help. That's why I go," Rhoades said.
Brindia Hall from Sioux Falls used to live in Louisiana and has been a flood victim herself. She says the current situation reminds her of the damage left behind by Hurrican Rita and Katrina.
"We are here, when we get there, to let them know, hey we're here. We want to help you. Don't be afraid because we know what it feels like personally," Hall said.
While Hall is flying south, Rhoades will be driving the Emergency Response Vehicle across the country.
"Yeah, according to MapQuest it's about 17 hours, but it's worth it. Every minute," Rhoades said.
If you would like to help, you can donate $10 to the cause by texting LAFLOODS to 90999.