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News ReleaseSalt Lake City (Nov. 19, 2008) — The Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross is fielding calls from concerned Utahns about the California wildfires.
Utahns want to know how they can help. At this time, Utahns can make financial donations to help with the disaster relief efforts in California by giving to the National Disaster Relief Fund by visiting www.utahredcross.org or calling 1-800-REDCROSS.
Right now the American Red Cross is sheltering about 300 people in Red Cross shelters in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernadino Counties. So far 7 shelters have opened and the Red Cross provided 685 overnight stays. At last count, 16, 985 people had a Red Cross hot meal or snack. Hundreds of other evacuees stop in during the day for a meal or to get information about their neighborhoods. Red Cross shelters serve as a place where people can gather with their neighbors, get a good night's rest or grab a meal. Perhaps, most importantly, shelters serve as place where evacuees can get emotional support. That emotion support is a welcome relief for people who fled their homes and face an uncertain future. At this time, local Salt Lake area Red Cross disaster-trained volunteers are on standby to deploy to help in the California shelters and to help with Emergency Response Vehicles and feeding operations if needed.
For Utahns who want to help build the local Greater Salt Lake Area emergency fund, they can also donate online or call the Chapter at 801-323-7000.
Here in Utah, the Greater Salt Lake Area Chapter of the American Red Cross responds to up to 100 incidents each year. Many are house fires or wildfires, some of them render multiple families homeless. The American Red Cross's local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.
If you'd like to help, financial donations are always accepted to help victims of this fire and other disasters in your community. For more information about donating to the Chapter Emergency Services please go to www.utahredcross.org or call 801.323.7000.
Courtesy Susan Thomas with the the American Red Cross in Utah.
