Visalia native assists storm victims in Missouri

A severe storm system has caused devastating tornadoes and wildfires in the Midwest and South over the weekend. The tornadoes have destroyed many neighborhoods, leaving people in urgent need of assistance. Wesley Hammer, a retired resident of Visalia, California, is heading to Missouri to help those affected. He has volunteered for the Red Cross in the past and believes it is his calling to serve others in times of crisis. Hammer expressed how fulfilling the work is for him, saying he would do it every day if necessary. While the worst of the storms has passed, there remains a risk of critical wildfire conditions this week. In Missouri, Hammer will work as a logistics sourcing supervisor, making sure that shelters have the supplies they need. Over the years, Hammer has traveled across the nation, assisting disaster victims from various events, including Hurricane Helene and the Los Angeles wildfires. This year, the Red Cross has deployed almost 100 volunteers to different disasters across the country. Currently, the Red Cross is not accepting donations of food, household items, or clothing for the disaster due to challenges in distribution. They recommend financial donations as the fastest way to help those affected in the Midwest.