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MINNEAPOLIS, MN, June 25, 2010— The American Red Cross is now providing financial assistance to families affected by the tornadoes that hit on June 17.
Along with other disaster relief assistance, such as meals, snacks, and emotional support, the Red Cross expects to spend between $259,000 and $406,000 to help people rebuild their lives following this devastating disaster.
To date, nearly 225 Red Cross volunteers and paid staff have responded to this disaster, serving more than 29,000 meals and snacks, making more than 160 mental health contacts with people needing emotional support, and distributing more than 150
clean-up and comfort kits to affected families.
“Overall, the people in the effected areas of Wadena seem to be stressed, but in good spirits. Friends, family and neighbors have come together to help each other out during this challenging time,” says Jessica Robey, a Red Cross volunteer with the Northland Red Cross in Duluth.
Red Cross chapters responding to this disaster also include Central Minnesota, Freeborn County, Goodhue County, Mower County, South Central Minnesota, Southeast Minnesota, St. Croix Valley, and Winona County in Minnesota; and the Minn-Kota chapter that covers areas in North Dakota and Minnesota.
“Everyone in the community is so grateful for all the support they are receiving and prove to us all that community is important in times like this,” says Marilyn Nelson Morgan, a Red Cross volunteer with the Twin Cities Area Chapter.
If you are in need of Red Cross services, please contact your local chapter. Local chapter information is available at 1-800-RED-CROSS or www.redcross.org.
Help people affected by disasters like the recent tornadoes by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.
Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) 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. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org
Donations of goods and services from individuals and community groups, though well intentioned, have hidden costs and pose a number of complications for relief efforts. For these reasons, the Red Cross is not able to accept any collections of items, such as used clothing, hygiene items, furniture, toys, and canned goods. If you represent a company wishing to offer supplies in bulk, please call our donation hotline (612) 460-3700.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at www.redcrosschat.org.
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