The American Red Cross is working around the clock to provide relief to people affected by the deadly tornadoes that left a path of destruction.

As many as 13,000 homes were damaged or destroyed across the South.

In Shelby County, 45 homes were damaged. The majority of the damage was centered along Caldwell Mill Road but there was scattered damage throughout the county. While some received minor damage, others lost everything.

Since the morning after the storm, Red Cross volunteers have been involved in contacting families and completing damage assessments of the affected homes. The Red Cross is helping today and will still be there in the weeks ahead, helping people get back on their feet.

Fortunately, there were no fatalities in Shelby County; however, Red Cross disaster mental health workers are available to help people cope with the aftermath of the storms. You can reach a mental health worker by contacting the Shelby County Red Cross office.

While continuing our disaster response, Shelby County Red Cross volunteers have also responded to three single-family fires, providing assistance to those families as well.

Does the Red Cross make a difference in our communities? Ask those 45 families whose homes were damaged in the April tornadoes. Ask the family of 5 who lost their home to fire last week.

Shelby County Red Cross volunteers — your neighbors — are making a difference.

You can make a difference too. A donation of $5 provides one comfort kit to a disaster victim. Make a donation today to support American Red Cross disaster relief efforts. Text REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation, visit Redcross.org, or mail your donation to the Shelby County Red Cross, 4524 Southlake Parkway, Suite 5 and 6, Hoover, AL, 35244.

Mary Kinard is the executive director of the Shelby County Red Cross, which is a member of Shelby County VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster).