Besides the fewer than 100 at the Magnolia Center, there were about 30 people still at a shelter in Raleigh. She said anyone remaining will be consolidated with other evacuees at another shelter.

Owens-Mansfield said volunteers and Red Cross staff are working to clear out the buildings used as shelters because other events are planned. However, they are prepared for the next threat.

“We kind of have to pick stuff up and put it away, but we have already been put on standby,” she said. “We’re going to stand down for a while, knowing we may have to stand back up.”

Owens-Mansfield also expressed appreciation to corporate donors, including Sanderson Farms, Howard Industries, and Jarden Consumer Solutions.

Many people leaving the Magnolia Center praised local efforts for assistance, but Owens-Mansfield also reminded people to help the American Red Cross whenever possible. She said the local chapter spent a great deal to help the evacuees.

“The problem was no shelter opened up south of us,” she said. “We spent a bunch of money. Everything we have done somebody somewhere is paying for it.”

Owens-Mansfield said disaster services funds from the national chapter pay for the type of assistance provided recently. She cautioned people to remember that Hurricane Hanna is forecasted to impact the East Coast, requiring assistance from the same funds. There are also two more storms in the Atlantic Ocean with one of them — Hurricane Ike — forecasted to possibly enter the Gulf of Mexico next week.