Red Cross has room for 400

The Southeast Missouri Red Cross chapter has room for up to 400 evacuees from Hurricane Rita if the need arises, officials said Wednesday.

The Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross has only one shelter for Hurricane Katrina relief still open in Benton, Mo., said Kristi Thurman, director of emergency services. But other campgrounds and shelters that have either seen Katrina refugees or were ready for people fleeing the earlier storm could be reopened quickly, she said.

"We stand ready for however they need us," Thurman said.

The local Red Cross chapter is well supplied with water, diapers and other necessities for helping storm victims, said Mary Burton, chapter director. And although donations of such items won't be turned away if another large group arrives, she said, donations of cash go further.

Financial contributions allow the chapter to purchase in bulk, she said, and help pay other bills that keep the shelters open.

The Red Cross is also seeking volunteers to take the training course to work in disaster areas, Thurman said. The four-hour class will be offered Friday and is being given weekly by the chapter, she said.

-- Rudi Keller