The Pike County Branch of the American Red Cross is on the scenes of the tornado that ripped through Pike County around 10:30 p.m. Christmas night.

The local Red Cross opened an EOC, Emergency Operations Center, at 11:35 p.m. Tuesday night.

Jane Thrash, Branch director, said two intake centers have been opened to assess the damage done in Pike County and to respond to the immediate needs of those affected.

“We have intake centers at the Town Hall in Goshen and Pike County Fire and Rescue on Orion Street in Troy,” Thrash said. “The center in Goshen will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. today and the center in Troy will be open from 2 until 4 p.m. today. Calls will also be taken at 334-344-0859.”

Thrash said those in the Brundidge area who suffered damage from the tornado and need assistance may apply at either of the intake centers.

“Those who are requesting assistance should bring a photo ID and proof of residence,” Thrash said. “Proof of residence may be a utility bill or anything that has the address on the envelope that shows proof of legal residence.”

Thrash said the Pike County Branch of the American Red Cross has already spent about $1,000 meeting immediate needs of local residents.

“The needs were mainly for clothing and food but we did get motel rooms for a lady who is on a breathing machine and a man who is handicapped,” Thrash said. “We will continue to meet the immediate needs of those who were affected by the tornado and assist with referrals for long-term recovery.”

Thrash said those who would like to make donations to the victims of the Christmas Day tornadoes may do so by sending their contributions to 2012 Alabama Tornadoes, c/o American Red Cross, 131 S. A. Graham Blvd., Brundidge, AL 36010.

“Those who would like for their donations to remain in Pike County should specify ‘Pike County tornado victims” and that money will stay here at home,” she said.

The Pike County Branch of the American Red Cross will be working closely with the Pike County Salvation Army, Christian Mission, OCAP and DHR during the assessment and referral process.

For more information or to volunteer with the American Red Cross, call 334-344-0859.