A Hudson Valley woman is back home after volunteering in Kentucky for a week.

Michelle Ledesma Baer, of Hopewell Junction, spent time helping tornado victims in Hopkinsville and Mayfield, Kentucky.

She was there with the Red Cross as part of a special team the organization deployed after the tornadoes destroyed those areas earlier this month.

She tells News 12 her time was spent visiting shelters and hotels, speaking with people who lost everything and connecting them with resources. She encourages others to help however they can. "If you want to donate, know that your dollars are in good hands, that they're being stewarded well. If you want to donate your time and your talents, there are so many ways to help and everybody can do something," says Ledesma Baer.

Ledesma Baer also responded to New Jersey after Hurricane Ida devastated parts of the state.