The American Red Cross is asking St. Lawrence County residents and others throughout the state to help flood victims in the Mohawk Valley recover.

St. Lawrence County was spared major damage following recent persistent heavy rains, but residents in Oneida, Montgomery and Herkimer counties were not so lucky.

Through Wednesday night, the Red Cross had provided 298 overnight shelter stays, more than 15,000 meals and snacks and more than 1,600 clean-up and comfort kids to the central New Yorkers.

The Red Cross today opened bulk distribution centers in Oneida and Montgomery counties, offering water and cleaning supplies for residents whose homes were destroyed or damaged by the floods. Trained volunteers are also offering emotional support and physical and mental health services, Red Cross officials said.

Saturday, the Red Cross will provide water, bleach, gloves, shovels, trash bags and clean-up kits, along with health services and casework. at bulk distribution centers in Herkimer and Oneida counties.

To send a contribution to the relief effort, visit www.redcross.org, call (800) REDCROSS, or call the Red Cross Potsdam office at 268-0102.