Devastation caused by Harvey has Red Cross chapters all over the nation responding

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- By now we have all seen the images of homes that were destroyed and communities paralyzed. It is a historic disaster that requires an epic response from the Red Cross.

Jessica Piffero with the American Red Cross said, "This is the super bowl, the world cup, the world series all rolled into one. This is what we do, we're preparing for this 365 days a year-- this is the big one."

Over a thousand Red Cross volunteers from across the country have been sent to the region to help families, just as southeast Texas continues to deal with record breaking flooding left over from one of the heaviest downpours in US history.

Red Cross Fresno has sent two volunteers to the Houston area already with plans to send more in the near future.

"This isn't over, this is now the second phase of this disaster. The flooding, the river's rising, the rainfall, the hurricane is gone but the threat is still there and the Red Cross is going to be there for weeks and months to come," said Piffero.

The Red Cross has been providing shelters, supplies, and volunteers on the ground, but the organization has also been busy collecting donations.

During natural disasters like Harvey the Red Cross typically sees a spike in phone calls from people offering to help. Chris Hill of Clovis said the images from Texas were powerful enough to motivate her and her husband to give money for the first time.

"It's just so devastating-there are so many things and the people and we've just been watching it real closely, so we thought we could help."

Many organizations around the country have committed their support to raise money for those impacted by the storm. This Thursday Disney and ABC30 are partnering up with the Red Cross to host a day of giving to help with the relief efforts.

"Every dollar counts towards helping these people in need, every dollar counts. Whether it's a warm blanket or hot meal or a safe place to stay on a cot, so we're really grateful for Disney's partnership as we work to help these people effected by the storm," said Piffero.

Disney has already committed a one-million dollar donation to the American Red Cross in support of the recovery efforts for families and communities affected by Hurricane Harvey.