Red Cross office opens doors

On Friday, April 7, Jayson Zimmerman opened the American Red Cross office serving Hot Springs and Washakie counties. Zimmerman, a Red Cross volunteer and member of the disaster action team, said the office will operate on an “as needed” basis with no set hours.

The office is located south of the main offices in Central Bank and Trust, and Zimmerman pointed out there is handicap accessibility during the bank’s normal hours.

Kent Cordingly, branch president of the bank, said Zimmerman approached him about using the space, and Cordingly let him use it free of charge. Cordingly further added Red Cross is a great organization and Zimmerman’s work is commendable, and he’s “tickled pink” to do anything to help.

Zimmerman said the office is here for disaster relief, to provide aid to those who have lost their living space due to fire, flood or other incident. He can help with paperwork to get the initial assistance started, as well as things like a safe place to live, food and other necessities. In case of a large disaster, he said, the office and staff could be expanded to handle large groups of displaced people.

Zimmerman wants people to know the office is here for both Hot Springs and Washakie counties, and volunteers are being sought. Those who need assistance can contact Zimmerman at 921-8895. To volunteer, go online to redcross.org/wyoming.