BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Red Cross of Western New York says volunteers are mobilizing from across the country to help in Buffalo in the wake of a tragic shooting at Tops on Jefferson Avenue that left 10 people dead and three others injured.
Their mission is to help the victims’ families and the entire community, partnering with other agencies to distribute groceries.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the people of the City of Buffalo and all of those impacted by Saturday’s tragic shooting," Meg Rossman, spokesperson for the American Red Cross Western New York Region, said. "It is the mission of the Red Cross to deliver help and hope to those in need in their darkest hours. At the request of law enforcement, American Red Cross of Western New York volunteers and dozens more from across the country mobilized to support victims and their families emergency responders and the community at large."
The Red Cross is also offering spiritual and mental health care and other health services at the Jonnie B. Wiley Pavilion on Jefferson Avenue.
"These ongoing efforts include working with partner agencies to assist with the distribution of groceries to the community, providing Individual Disaster Care (IDC), including spiritual care, mental health care, emotional support and other health services at the Wiley Pavilion, attending vigils to provide water, snacks and disaster care support, staffing community resource centers and connecting with members of the local faith community to provide support for community initiatives," Rossman said.
The Red Cross says it will continue with its response efforts until its services are no longer needed.
"The Red Cross will remain a part of this community-driven response until our services are no longer needed and will continue to stand by to support needs that may arise in the coming weeks and months," Rossman continued.