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Local volunteer travels to Louisiana to assist in flood relief

People wade in water near flood damaged homes in Highland Ridge Subdivision in Youngsville, Louisiana on Sunday. Torrential rains swamped parts of southern Louisiana, causing widespread flooding.
People wade in water near flood damaged homes in Highland Ridge Subdivision in Youngsville, Louisiana on Sunday. Torrential rains swamped parts of southern Louisiana, causing widespread flooding. AP

An American Red Cross volunteer from Fresno traveled to Louisiana Monday where around 4,700 people have sought shelter due to recent flooding.

John “J.R.” Matchett will assist as a shelter worker, the Red Cross announced.

Red Cross Executive Director Barry Falke said helpers like Matchett are critical in helping families get access to food, housing and medical assistance, among other emergency services.

Red Cross Regional Communication Director Jessica Piffero said flooding in the state is expected to continue for several days.

The public interested in helping Louisiana residents through the flooding can visit: redcross.org or call 1-800-733-2767. Texting “LAFLOODS” to 90999 will send a $10 donation toward relief.

Cresencio Rodriguez-Delgado: 559-441-6304, @cres_guez

This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 6:58 PM with the headline "Local volunteer travels to Louisiana to assist in flood relief."

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