Residents thank Red Cross for efforts

MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (WPRI) – Despite the preparations that cities and towns made to combat the blizzard, many people turned to warming shelters to wait until power was restored.

Many in Middletown are still without electricity, and residents like Michael Vinciguerra say the Red Cross shelters were a valuable resource.

“My house went down to 45 degrees, we dug our way out, we tried to get to a family members house but couldn’t get there,” he said.

Michael went to the only place he could find to get warm again, the Red Cross shelter at Gaudet Middle School.

“I came with both my kids, walked right in the door. They were very helpful,” he said.

Vinciguerra was one of about 350 people that have come to the shelter over the past 24 hours in need of help.

“They needed a warm place to go... They needed a place to get a hot meal and information. For most people, they lost power and the degree count in their home probably dipped below 40 degrees,” said Carmela Geer of the Red Cross.

Middletown Resident Claudia Cinotti commended the Red Cross and their efforts.

“They did a phenomenal job with the food, organization; I don’t know how Carmela did it. Kudos to her she did a great job,” she said.

The Red Cross says they will keep this shelter and others around the state open until the last person leaves.