GLENVILLE – Victims of the May 1 tornado continue to seek help from the American Red Cross even though the Glenville service center has been closed, said Chapter Manager Ann Pribyl.

Wednesday, May 09, 2001

GLENVILLE – Victims of the May 1 tornado continue to seek help from the American Red Cross even though the Glenville service center has been closed, said Chapter Manager Ann Pribyl.

&uot;We’re still getting phone calls from people who are just beginning to realize damage and needs a week later,&uot; Pribyl said. &uot;So many people have been focused on helping their neighbors they forgot to worry about themselves.&uot;

It’s important to report damage, no matter how minor, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency so it can get an accurate picture of damage, Pribyl said.

&uot;It all affects the federal relief the area might be eligible for. It’s very important, and I’m still giving that message to a lot of callers,&uot; Pribyl said.

After two extensive canvasses of the county and an effort to provide some of the immediate needs of tornado victims, Red Cross workers are turning to casework as more families find permanent housing, Pribyl said. Family service and mental health professionals are available to help with the more lasting consequences of the disaster.

&uot;The work we’ll be doing now won’t be as visible – casework, referrals, follow-ups and perhaps some help with cleanup expenses. We want to emphasize that we’re still available and ready to help. We’ve simply shifted our operations back to our headquarters in Albert Lea,&uot; Pribyl said.

The Red Cross is now accepting monetary donations to continue the relief effort. Checks must be made payable to the Freeborn County Red Cross with a memo to disaster relief in order to keep donations in the county, Pribyl said.

For more information, to report damage or to seek disaster assistance, call the Red Cross 24-hour help line at 507-373-4544.