NewsWest 9
PENWELL - The American Red Cross responded to the tragic bus accident that happened early Wednesday.
They gave a helping hand to emergency workers and law enforcement on the scene.
NewsWest 9 we spoke with the American Red Cross and they explained the relief efforts that are being made for the first responders who are on the scene of this fatal accident.
"It was very tragic and we certainly send out our condolences to the families of the victims. but then again that's what we're here to do, to comfort them in any way we can," Stephanie Murphree, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, said.
Although the Red Cross typically responds to house fires, they are accustomed to aiding first responders after tragic vehicle accidents like this one.
"We've in the past done several accidents, particularly off the interstate, and so this is one of the many times that we actually come out and help. Again, we're activated by emergency personnel and then they request support and they wanted some hot coffee during these bitter temperatures," Murphree said.
Red Cross volunteers were working since early Wednesday afternoon giving out food and beverages to the emergency workers, police, and even the news crews.
"So we deployed our staff and volunteers. We sent our response vehicle out here and we're passing out coffee and snacks and just trying to help these guys get through this," Murphree said.
Despite the cold weather, volunteers gladly passed out coffee and lunch sacks that were donated by Starbucks Coffee and Chick-Fil-A. They also gave out warm smiles to help lighten the mood during a very difficult time.
"We're there to respond 365 days a year to any type of natural or man-made disaster and realistically it's when there's really a need. So there was a need for emergency personnel," Murphree said.
The American Red Cross prepares for events like this but is grateful to have a little extra help from the community by way of donations and volunteering.
"We also need peoples time and volunteering and that's really our greatest need in West Texas. We cover 23 counties and so we need folks from all over to come together for events," Murphree said.
