Corporate Donors Support Red Cross Response To Central US Floods And Tornadoes

Main Category: Aid / Disasters
Article Date: 12 Jun 2008 - 5:00 PDT

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Severe tornadoes and flooding in the Central United States created an urgent need for overnight shelters, food supplies, and disaster support. Among the first responders on the scene, the American Red Cross opened shelters, deployed mobile feeding vehicles, served more than 100,000 meals and snacks, and coordinated more than 1,000 disaster relief workers. Members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program helped provide the funding to rush relief to residents, but the need for additional donations is still great due to the vast devastation the storms caused throughout the Central US.

This tornado season has been the deadliest one since 1998. Since April 28, the American Red Cross has responded to 32 major disasters across the country, mostly tornadoes and floods. Additional financial donations are needed to support the ongoing relief efforts of the Red Cross. The Red Cross will continue to mobilize volunteers and supplies, such as clean-up kits, into the affected areas. Red Cross case workers will work with individuals and families to provide additional assistance based on the damage sustained to their homes, and will provide care and comfort to help residents and emergency workers manage the stress and fear that accompanies all disasters.

"Donations from our Annual Disaster Giving Program members enabled the Red Cross to provide life-saving support throughout the Central United States," said Jeffrey Towers, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. "These funds, coupled with the support of the American public, are vital for the Red Cross' ability to provide immediate relief to people affected by disaster. We thank these corporate donors for their leadership."

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 and other members of the business community 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 the tornadoes and floods in the Central United States. Log-on to http://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 Foundation
FedEx Corporation
JCPenney Company Fund
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
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 tornadoes and floods in the Central United States, 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

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