In recent weeks, an army of Red Cross volunteers and staff has worked along the Windward Coast to aid victims of heavy rains that caused flooding in early November.

The volunteers have been operating shelters, conducting damage assessments on 200 homes, doing client casework, staffing Disaster Assistance Recovery Centers at Hawaii Pacific University Windward and other affected areas, serving 300 meals and distributing 114 cleanup and comfort kits to victims.

A total of 172 homes were affected, including four that were destroyed, 73 that incurred major damage and 37 that sustained minor damage (which includes homes with up to 2 feet of water), according to officials.

So far, the agency has assisted 35 families with $30,000 in financial assistance for their immediate emergency needs such as temporary housing, food, clothing, bedding and storage containers.

The Hawaii Red Cross is seeking donations to assist victims of the winter storms.

To make a contribution, please call 808-739-8109, go online to www.hawaiiredcross.org, or mail your donation to: American Red Cross, Hawaii State Chapter, 4155 Diamond Head Road, Honolulu, HI 96816.

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