New Red Cross shelter named

Island County Red Cross Disaster Action Team leader Ken Matthias (right) signs an agreement with Reverend Dr. Robert Dietel making St. Aidan Episcopal Church the newest Red Cross shelter on Camano Island. With the stroke of a pen, St. Aidan Episcopal Church was named the newest Red Cross shelter on Camano Island. Located along SR532 on the north end of the island, St. Aidan Episcopal Church is the fifth Camano Island facility meeting National Red Cross standards as a shelter for people in case of disasters.

Each facility is prepared to operate under the guidance of trained Red Cross Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers.

St Aidan’s emergency shelter capacity is enhanced with a backup generator for power and water.

The executive director of the county’s Red Cross, TJ Harmon, said the local Red Cross DAT ensures the community has the expertise and facilities to manage catastrophic disasters, “thanks to good community partners like St. Aidan’s church.”

A non-profit, humanitarian agency dedicated to helping families and communities in case of loss and disaster, the American Red Cross receives no government assistance and is entirely funded by community donations.

Volunteers are always welcome to join. For more information, call 888-216- 2757 or see the Web site at www.islandredcross.org.