Charities help storm victims start anew

The American Red Cross set up the living arrangements to help victims like Glinda Brisbon start over following tornadoes that ravaged the state on April 16. They are also giving them money to purchase clothing and household supplies. 

"The Red Cross has really been a blessing. I don't know where I would have went," Brisbon said Wednesday.

Brisbon's house along Marlborough Road in east Raleigh was damaged by eight fallen trees during the storm. 

Although the trees have been removed, the house has been condemned, preventing Brisbon from going inside to retrieve personal belongings.

The American Red Cross is one of many organizations providing aid to storm victims. 

The Salvation Army is providing food and toiletries.

The North Carolina Baptist Men organization said it has served almost 40,000 meals, and cleaned up storm damage at more than 150 sites. Organizers said they plan to clear about 80 more sites.

WRAL and parent company Capitol Broadcasting Company hosted an all-day fundraising event last week to benefit the storm relief efforts of the Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, the North Carolina Baptist Men and the Salvation Army of Wake County.

The effort has raised $833,705 so far, and online donations are still being tallied.