Greetings Friends, Clients & Colleagues,
Marile and I hope this message finds you and yours safe and well.
Today, we are reaching out with a sense of urgency regarding the devastating impact of Hurricane Debby on Florida and the Southeastern United States.
Hurricane Debby made landfall as a Category 1 hurricane yesterday morning in Florida’s Big Bend region. The storm brought eighty-mile-per-hour winds, storm surges, and power outages, with at least five confirmed deaths. Over the next seven days, 40 trillion gallons of rain are expected across the Eastern seaboard. This storm threatens to render more than 15,000 homes uninhabitable by the end of the week and displace tens of thousands of people, some for months or even years.
As long-time Red Cross volunteers, donors, and former Board members, Marile, our children, and I have seen firsthand the critical role the Red Cross plays in disaster relief. The American Red Cross is actively providing aid to impacted communities, including food, water, and shelter, but we need your urgent support to sustain these efforts.
Here’s how the Red Cross is responding:
- Opened evacuation shelters, where more than 410 people spent the night last night.
- Prepared tens of thousands of relief supplies for more than 10,000 people.
- Pre-positioned emergency response vehicles across numerous high-risk areas.
Red Cross teams are working 24/7 with partners across Florida and throughout the Southeast to ensure people have the support they need. As Debby moves north, the Red Cross is mobilizing additional volunteers and resources to handle the devastating flooding expected to impact Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina.
We are asking for your help in three ways:
- Donate: Every contribution, large or small, will help provide essential services and supplies. You can donate here: Red Cross Donation Page.
- Volunteer: If you can offer your time, the Red Cross needs volunteers for various roles. Learn more: Red Cross Volunteer Information.
- Spread the Word: Share this message to raise awareness about the urgent needs in Florida and the Southeast.
Your support will make a real difference in the lives of those affected by this disaster. Together, we can help the Red Cross provide critical assistance to our neighbors in Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, and beyond during this challenging time.
Thank you for your compassion and generosity.
Warmest personal regards,
Marile & Jorge Luis Lopez, Esq.
Volunteers, Donors, and Former Board Members