Local Red Cross volunteers head for Gulf Coast

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Racing for the checkered flag has a significant purpose for Susquehanna 500 Mini Indy drivers and spectators this weekend.

With sunshine forecast and temperatures expected in the 70s, fans of the popular go-kart race that raises money for the American Red Cross, should know area disaster response teams already have been dispatched to assist in the aftermath of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

Six Red Cross volunteers will miss the race but have important relief operation duties, and the North Central Pennsylvania Chapter, which benefits from the race, is doing its part.

"We are challenged to help those affected by the hurricanes," said Joy Hanner, the chapter's executive director.

On Tuesday and Wednesday, the six left for sites in Virginia, Texas and Louisiana, where they will be for two to three weeks, said Linda Hopkins, an administrative assistant at the chapter headquarters.

Hopkins traveled to flooded rivers in Minnesota last August and knows the value of trained volunteers.

Among the team members is Teri Jones, who is at a mass-distribution center in Texas, where she is helping supply food and materials to homeless and those in need of shelters.

William Kauffman of Williamsport drove to a call center in Virginia, where he is contacting clients by telephone to make sure they have what they need from the Red Cross.

Richard Sexauer of Wellsboro, Jim Miller of Warrensville and Daniel Gerber of South Williamsport went to Fort Worth, Texas, where they are at operations centers. Cynthia Moore of Jersey Shore went to Baton Rouge, La., to conduct client casework.

Their loss doesn't put a crimp should a local disaster take place, Hopkins said.

"We have quite a few volunteers who want to stay local," she said. "If something happens here, national Red Cross would step in an help us."