Funds sought for Hurricane Irene victims

In one week’s time, Mother Nature has handed Americans an earthquake centered just outside the nation’s capital and a hurricane that marched up the Eastern Seaboard. Early damage assessment figures are in the billions of dollars.

Local residents can help by making a gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to assist the Red Cross in preparing and responding to those in need in times of crisis.

Thanks to generous donations, the Red Cross was there ahead of the storm opening nearly 500 shelters with more than 27,000 shelter residents, for those who heeded the warnings to evacuate their homes.   Now residents from 14 states are depending on gifts to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund to help those affected by this recent hurricane. The Red Cross has arranged for 1.3 million meals to be served through various vendors up and down the East Coast and has deployed 260 Emergency Response Vehicles and is supporting thousands of volunteers. Red Cross is ready to move when disaster strikes.

Today marks the sixth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina’s devastating landfall. The American people weather a storm better prepared and with greater peace of mind because of the American Red Cross.