Lee Woods knows first hand that Red Cross donations are getting to the people who need it, but he admits that he did not always feel this way, "I was probably like a lot of people who say they aren't giving that money to people, but now I know and it's been a big help for me and my family," he said. 

The 25-year-old was living in a home with his aunt and uncle prior to the tornado that destroyed their house in Yazoo City, Mississippi. The storm nearly cost Lee his life, and ended his hopes of becoming a firefighter. 

Tamica Smith-Jeuitt and Robert Lee Woods pictured at University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Robert Lee Woods (center) with therapists Meredith Duncan (left) & Amy Fountain (right). 

The next thing he recalled was waking up in a pile of rubble with a turtle walking across his chest and a German Shepard licking his face. Woods said he knew he was hurt and could not move. His uncle and a good Samaritan on a four-wheeler rescued him. His injuries are severe. He's now on a long road to recovery from a spinal fracture and a broken shoulder. His neighbors are recovering as well with non-life threatening injuries. Woods later learned the neighbors never heard his warnings. Woods said he had no regrets for trying to help that day. 

Thanks to the Red Cross, Woods will be able to buy some new clothes and replace the other basic necessities blown away by the tornado. 

  While Humboldt County will rarely if ever have a tornado, we do get our fair share of fires, floods and earthquakes. When these events occur, our volunteers quickly respond, bringing help and comfort to those effected. In order to do this, we rely upon donations to supply food, shelter and clothing.

You can help in many different ways. View our Donate page to see how.