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AMERICAN RED CROSS ISSUES APPEAL FOR DISASTER RELIEF FUND

Anticipates spending in excess of $15 Million for recent disasters

Serious and Widespread Damage

The American Red Cross is helping the victims of flooding and tornadoes across seven states-an enormous geographic area. From the plains of Kansas to the mountains of West Virginia, the Red Cross is on the scene with vast amounts of clean up supplies, dozens of shelters and tens of thousands of meals.

We are less than two weeks into hurricane season and already the Red Cross is facing the largest combined relief effort since last fall’s California wildfires. We are handling 11 major relief operations and the biggest flooding operation in 15 years. The current relief operations follow two extremely busy months for the Red Cross, with 27 disaster operations in April and May.

2008 is on track to break the U.S. record for the number of twisters in a year, according to the National Weather Service.

Flood waters are reaching record levels in areas of Wisconsin and Iowa and the impact may spread to more than 500,000 people in those states and down river.

The American Red Cross is Responding

Through the “Safe and Well” Web site, the Red Cross provides an easy way to assist people in locating loved ones who evacuate their homes or communities.

INDIANA TORNADOES AND FLOODS FACTS AT A GLANCE, as of June 24, 2008

Families Seeking Red Cross Assistance: 3,295

Shelters Open: 19 (Red Cross opened a total of 19 shelters during this relief operation; none are currently open as all residents have secured other housing.)

Service Delivery Sites: 10 (Seven are currently open.)

Meals and Snacks: 134,257

Fixed Feeding Sites: 19 (Red Cross operated a total of 19 fixed feeding sites during this relief operation; none are currently open.)

Kitchens: 2 (None are currently open.)

Clean-up Kits Distributed (mop, bucket, bleach, etc.): 6,258 

Comfort Kits Distributed: (personal care items) 2,920

Bulk Distribution Sites: 18 (Red Cross had a total of 18 distribution sites during this relief operation; none are currently open.)

Bulk Items Distributed: 191,561

Mental Health Contacts: 4,519

Health Services Contacts: 4,279

Emergency Response Vehicles: 36

Total Red Cross Workers on the Indiana relief operation: 963

Disaster Victims Need Your Help

This is a time for people to help each other-no matter where they live. We’re asking you to help your neighbors around the block and in the next state.

The American Red Cross anticipates spending in excess of $15 million for recent disasters. The help we give people depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public. So we are issuing an appeal to citizens in every state to help those affected.

We’re asking people to be as flexible as possible when making their giving choices. A gift to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund allows us to help disaster victims anywhere people are suffering.

With record severe weather, flooding and hurricane season yet to come, it’s important for the Red Cross to be ready to jumpstart disaster relief operation anywhere. The Disaster Relief Fund is the safety net that allows us to do just that.

You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Central U.S. Floods and Tornados, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. This Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistances to the victims of disasters.

The Disaster Relief Fund allows the Red Cross to act immediately, when help is needed most. However, the Disaster Relief Fund must be replenished constantly. Because the Red Cross is not a government agency, we depend on the voluntary contributions of the American people. It is through your generosity that we continue to provide the unique and vital services Americans depend on in times of crisis.

The American Red Cross will always be there whenever and wherever disaster strikes. But we need your help to keep our promise.

The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster, please do so at the time of your donation. Contributions to help Hoosiers may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter (Hoosier Hills Chapter, 2119 29th St., Bedford, IN 47421) or to the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis at 441 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-3388. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visitinghttp://www.redcross-indy.org/donate/

Contributions for the Disaster Relief Fund can be sent to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

 

The Red Cross is asking residents in areas unaffected by this disaster to give blood to help ensure the blood supplies are stable. Due to the flooding, several blood drives have been canceled. With more rain predicted in many areas, the Red Cross is expecting more cancellations as flood waters continue to rise.

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Last modified: June 25, 2008