Red Cross Holding Disaster Volunteer Training After Oklahoma Twisters

In the wake of Monday's devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma at least two Palmetto SC Region Red Cross disaster responders have deployed to the charity's Washington D.C. office to help coordinate relief efforts.

More are expected to deploy in the coming days.

"This has been a major disaster, and the Red Cross will be there for the people in this state and this community for weeks and months to come," said Louise Welch Williams, regional chief executive officer for American Red Cross Palmetto SC Region, said in a press release. "If you can help, we encourage you to make a financial donation today or become a local volunteer to help respond to future disasters."

The Red Cross is also operating shelters Shawnee and other parts of the Oklahoma City area for people affected by the storms and plans to remain on the ground there for several weeks.

Donations to help the victims of the tornadoes and of other disasters can be made to o American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Checks can be mailed to the American Red Cross, 8085 Rivers Ave., Suite F, North Charleston, SC, 29406. Donations help provide food, shelter and emotional support to those affected by disasters.

The Red Cross Palmetto SC Region is also offering New Volunteer Orientations and Disaster Services courses for those interested in becoming local disaster responders. Orinetation and courses will be offered at the following times and locations:

Carolina Lowcountry Chapter, North Charleston (8085 Rivers Ave., Suite F, North Charleston)

• Thursday, May 23, 6 - 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 29, 6 - 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 5, 6 - 9 p.m.
• Saturday, June 15, 9 a.m. - noon

Palmetto Service Center, Bluffton (59 Sheridan Park Circle, Bluffton)

• Tuesday, May 21, 6 - 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, June 5, 6 - 9 p.m.
• Monday June 17, 6 - 9 p.m.

Beaufort City Hall, Beaufort (911 Boundary Street, Beaufort)

• Monday, June 3, 6 - 9 p.m.

To register for any of these Red Cross orientations, visit redcross.org/carolinalowcountry and click on volunteer, or call (843) 764-2323 x 321. Pre-registration is required.