SEATTLE - Volunteers from as far away as the Midwest are converging on Western Washington to help flood victims.

Volunteer Paul Spata just arrived from Michigan today, responding to an urgent call from the National Red Cross.

"I'll be assigned to work on disaster mental health services, don't know the assignment yet," he said.

Susan Olive flew in from Iowa. Having worked two dozens disasters before, she'll meet with needy families to help get them aid. 

"Not only financially, but help them start thinking about their recovery process and what they're going to do to get back to some sort of normal life," she said.

The Red Cross is operating its disaster operation out of the Tacoma-Pierce County chapter until it can move closer to the flood zone. They've already sent 6,000 meals to flood victims and are currently operating shelters in Elma, Centralia, Chehalis, Rochester, Shelton, Belfar, Shoreline, Lynnwood, Silverdale, South Bend and Long Beach.

The Red Cross is also helping families get in touch online, through a Web site called www.safeandwell.org.

"We have about 2,000 people who've already searched the Web site today looking for their loved ones," said Abi Weaver, Red Cross spokesperson.

If you're wondering what you can do personally, the governor is urging monetary donations.

Meanwhile in Seattle at the AARP, the state Attorney General is advising well-meaning donors to choose known charities – to avoid con artists.