American Red Cross Prepares To Respond To Tropical Storm Fay

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 19 Aug 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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As Tropical Storm Fay continues to threaten the Florida Keys and western Florida, the Red Cross has pre-positioned both people and supplies throughout the state. Florida has more than 5,000 Red Cross volunteers, nearly 30 feeding trucks, a strong warehouse system and a large stock of cots, blankets and other supplies. Members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program help provide the funding to enable the Red Cross to prepare before disaster strikes.

The Red Cross has deployed thousands of ready-to-eat meals and cots and dozens of Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs). Prior to Tropical Storm Fay making landfall, the Red Cross is preparing its own shelters and supporting other shelters that will be available for people needing to evacuate. Strategically placed warehouses and chapters allow the Red Cross to set up quickly in order to provide for the needs of those affected by storms and hurricanes.

"Donations from our Annual Disaster Giving Program members enable the Red Cross to have lifesaving supplies in place before disaster strikes," said Jeffrey Towers, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. "These funds, along with the support of the American public, are vital for the Red Cross' ability to provide immediate relief to people affected by disaster. We are grateful for these corporate donors' support."

Annual Disaster Giving Program members pledge donations on an on-going basis, in advance of major disasters, to help the Red Cross ensure an immediate response to meet the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and regardless of income.

Individuals can join the companies in the Annual Disaster Giving Program in supporting the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and help provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like Tropical Storm Fay. Log on to www.redcross.org or call 1-800-HELP NOW to make a donation.

Members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program:

American Express
AT&T
AXA Foundation
ConAgra Foods
FedEx Corporation
JCPenney Company Fund
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Merck & Co, Inc.
MorganStanley
Raytheon Company
State Farm
State Street Foundation
Target
The TJX Companies, Inc.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like Tropical Storm Fay, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. 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. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC20013.

American Red Cross