Red Cross Responds To Midwest Winter Storms

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 21 Dec 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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Devastating winter storms battered the Midwest over a week ago, bringing subfreezing temperatures and a combination of rain, freezing rain and sleet to the region. Hundreds of thousands of people lost their power as a result of these storms. American Red Cross disaster workers were among the first on the ground delivering relief in the form of temporary shelters, warming centers, hot meals and snacks and other emergency assistance. Members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program helped provide the funding to rush relief to the affected residents, but the need for additional donations is still great due to the vast devastation the storms caused throughout Kansas and Oklahoma, where hundreds of homes are still without power.

As power in some areas is expected not to be restored for several days, the Red Cross will remain on the ground providing emergency assistance.

"The Red Cross is dedicated to providing these individuals and families with the support and vital assistance they need," said Kathleen Loehr, interim senior vice president of Development at the American Red Cross. "Donations from our Annual Disaster Giving Program members and the public's support of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund enable the Red Cross to provide immediate relief to people during times of disaster."

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.

People can join the Annual Disaster Giving Program members in supporting the 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 the Midwest winter storms. The Red Cross stands ready to turn your compassion into action. With your support of the Disaster Relief Fund, the Red Cross can assist those who urgently need your help. Log-on to http://www.redcross.org or call 1-800- HELP NOW to make a donation.

Members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program include:

American Express Foundation
AT&T Foundation
AXA Foundation
Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation
Citi
ConAgra Foods Foundation
FedEx Corporation
Halliburton
JCPenney Company Fund
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Marriott International, Inc.
Merck & Co, Inc.
MorganStanley
Raytheon Company
State Farm
State Street Corporation
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 the Midwest ice storms, 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, DC 20013.

American Red Cross