Local Red Cross volunteer deployed to Oklahoma

Debby Dailey and her dog ‘Chance,’ a service animal-in-training, prepare for Dailey's trip to the tornado-ravaged city of Moore, Oklahoma.  She leaves Wednesday for at least a two-week trip.  After 30 years of disaster volunteer experience, Dailey expects to witness the devastation firsthand and help the residents impacted.

“They're going to need everything.  They've lost everything.  They're lucky to walk out with an animal or a family member of theirs,” said Dailey.

When Dailey isn't volunteering she teaches nursing.  Some of her students followed her example Tuesday by volunteering to collect money for Red Cross.

“It goes the nature of nursing.  As with all my [fellow] students here, we want to lend a hand of care to serve our community,” said Drew Rosado, a FresnoState nursing student.

In just a few hours on Shaw and Palm Avenues in Fresno, students picked up thousands of dollars.

“$50 bucks, I could put it in for gas but I have gas so I'm glad I could help,” said Abraham Garcia who donated money.

Another way to donate to Red Cross is by texting 90999 on your cell phone and $10 dollars will go to disaster relief.  Write “Oklahoma” in the message to be sure the money goes to tornado victims.

Dailey says helping victims of natural disasters is the most rewarding thing she's ever done.  She knows the generosity of others makes it all possible.

“I couldn't do it if people didn't give,” said Dailey.

The volunteers collected over $6,000 on Tuesday.  A local radio station was also helping by broadcasting the donation drive.