Do you want to help flood victims across southern Wisconsin but don't know how?

The American Red Cross is hosting a volunteer disaster training class this week at the Badger chapter office, 4860 Sheboygan Ave. in Madison.

Classes will run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday. The training includes information on mass care overview, shelter operations and fundamentals of disaster assessment.

During the flooding, the Red Cross is running shelters in Grant, Crawford and Sauk counties.

The Salvation Army of Dane County has sent its emergency services canteen to Gays Mills, Richland Center and Avoca to help flood victims.

Those interested in helping either the Salvation Army or the Red Cross flood relief efforts should call the United Way's 211 hot line, said Ruth Ann Schoer, Salvation Army development director.

Although the Salvation Army has no current volunteer needs, Schoer encouraged people to participate in the Red Cross training session because there is always a shortage of volunteers trained in food safety and disasters.

To sign up for the Red Cross training, call the training department at 512-529-9601.

The Salvation Army is collecting items such as diapers, towels, baby formula, underwear, socks, washcloths, other cleaning materials and money.

"Cash is always good because we can bulk buy products," Schoer said.

Checks should be written to The Salvation Army and sent to 630 E. Washington Ave., Madison, WI 53703. Municipalities in need of volunteers should call the Salvation Army at 608-345-0191.

Those interested in donating to the Red Cross to help with flood relief can do so by calling 800-733-2767 or by visiting the Web site at www.arcbadger.org.