JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Local Red Cross volunteers loaded up the emergency response vehicle and headed to New Jersey to lend a helping hand.
Larry Lightfoot has been volunteering with the Red Cross for about eight years now. And every time a natural disaster hits the country, Larry is always willing to go. "I enjoy it. I do." he says.
Lightfoot is a retired military man and says it was important to him to put his extra free time to good use.
This trip to New Jersey is just one of many trips Larry has taken with the Red Cross. He's prepared to hand out food and blankets as usual. But, he says, this is definitely the largest recovery effort he's ever had to face. "I just don't know what to expect this time. I really don't," he says.
New Jersey is one of the hardest hit states. At least two towns are under water after the storm surge toppled over an embankment. Hundreds of people had to be rescued.
Larry says he is prepared for any and everything. And with 7.5 million people without power, he knows it's going to be a long journey. But one well worth it. "When you drive up in that vehicle you'd be surprised at the smiles and that's it. We're here to help them," he says.
There are other groups in the area sending crews. Florida Power and Light has sent more than 500 workers. J-E-A is also sending crews of their own.
