As if things were not bad enough financially for the Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, last weekend’s storms took their toll on the chapter’s resources.

“It set us back financially,” Mary Arnzen, executive director of the Ohio River Valley Chapter, said. “When people need our help we have to be there. And we’ll give people help. And we will find the money. That’s basically what we have to do. That’s what we’re here for.”

Arnzen said the Red Cross is obligated to provide food, clothing and shelter when a storm or other disaster occurs.

It occurred last weekend.

Arnzen said Saturday’s tornado touchdown and heavy rains wreaked havoc on Pike and Scioto County residents, and the Red Cross quickly mobilized to provide relief services.

“It was certainly a busy weekend for us,” Arnzen said. “The Red Cross mission is to provide for the immediate needs of disaster victims — food, clothing and shelter — and this storm provided a powerful punch very quickly. The operation will be an expensive one for our chapter. While we’re still busy assessing the damage, it’s safe to say that this storm will cost our chapter between $5-$10,000, with more than 50 people requiring our assistance.”

In that storm three mobile homes were destroyed in the Buchanan area of Pike County, while other homes and structures throughout the area sustained significant damage. Heavy rains from the storm dislocated 100 residents of the Best Care Nursing Home in Wheelersburg, due to flooding.

Arnzen credited officials of Wheelersburg High School for opening their doors for those occupants.

Arnzen said it is extremely important that people know the Red Cross receives no government funds.

“While we hold a Congressional charter, we receive no direct government support for our work,” Arnzen said. “We are dependent on the generosity of our community to help us provide our critical services.”

Arnzen said contributions to the relief effort can be sent to Ohio River Valley Red Cross, 1801 Robinson Ave., Portsmouth, Ohio 45662, or online at www.ohiorivervalley.redcross.org.

“We’re just all helping each other,” Arnzen said. “When you give money here it comes strictly to our people, and we’re just helping each other.”

FRANK LEWIS may be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 232.