Chicago Red Cross Brings Relief To Hurricane Michael Victims

CHICAGO, IL — Chicago-area Red Cross workers are down south assisting with recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Michael, which as of Thursday morning is now labeled a tropical storm. According to American Red Cross of Chicago and Northern Illinois, local workers helping those in the storm's path include Chicago Red Cross CEO Celena Roldan, who is in North Carolina.

The American Red Cross workers are assisting along the Gulf Coast to provide safe shelter and support for evacuees. The local agency said 7,800 people stayed in as many as 95 Red Cross and community evacuation centers across Florida, Georgia and Alabama Wednesday night.

Patch reported Michael now stands as a tropical storm with maximum sustained winds at 50 mph

RELATED: Chicago Flight Delays, Cancellations As Michael's Path Expands

Michael is expected to reach southeastern Virginia Thursday afternoon and evening, then head over the Atlantic Ocean by late Thursday or early Friday.

Our hearts go out to those in the path of #HurricaneMichael. As we prepare for a relief response, we also critically need blood & platelet donors in unaffected areas to give now as it's anticipated the hurricane will force blood drive cancellations. Appts: https://t.co/aipyH93QB5
— Heart of America (@RedCrossBloodHA) October 9, 2018

To help provide disaster relief to those in Michael's path, you can donate by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Updates: @ChicagoRedCross

An American flag flies amidst destruction in the aftermath of Hurricane Michael in Mexico Beach, Fla., Thursday, Oct. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)