Tables Turn for Americus man

An Americus, GA man who steps in to help Red Cross efforts during local disasters finds himself on the receiving end.  “I’m not used to asking for help, but this time I need help,” Doug La Fond said.  After the tornado ripped through his neighborhood he discovered damage and found himself at the Red Cross service center.

La Fond has been feeding victims of area disasters for 10 years through a partnership with the organization.  On a moment’s notice he’ll serve dozens of meals to clients and emergency workers whenever he gets a call from the Middle-Flint Chapter in Americus.  “To see strangers shake your hand and say thank you.  It really gives you goose bumps, “ La Fond describes the appreciation he feels when helping.  He’s able to do it out of the Meals on Wheels kitchen in town.  He’s in charge of delivering meals to 3,300 people a day across half of Georgia.  La Fond put the kitchen to use after Hurricane Katrina, too, when he helped the Red Cross provide meals for a couple of weeks after the county’s worst natural disaster. 

La Fond never thought he’d be on the receiving end of Red Cross services, and it’s meant a lot to him.  In addition to emergency assistance, the Red Cross Emergency Response vehicles and volunteers deliver meals and snacks in his neighborhood every day.  “It makes you feel good knowing they are going to be there,” La Fond said and has been told by neighbors they feel the same way.  

Warm food, clean up equipment or other immediate needs and emotional support are ways Red Cross volunteers help their neighbors begin their road to recovery.

The best way you can help is by making a financial donation to the National Disaster Relief Fund.  You can do that by logging on to www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.