Red Cross Helps Midwest Residents

July 9, 2008— As residents affected by flooding and severe weather in the central United States begin the slow process of recovery, the American Red Cross is still on the scene across eight states, providing food, comfort, information and other assistance to those in need. To date, the American Red Cross has provided more than 780,000 meals and snacks; distributed more than 45,000 kits to help people with the clean-up; and has processed more than 8,000 client cases.

Nine Disaster Relief Volunteers from Central Jersey have been deployed to the Midwest to assist with these relief efforts; four from the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey and five from the Greater Somerset Chapter. Their varied roles have included Disaster Assessment, Feeding, Bulk Distribution and Client Casework.

Many blood drives in the Midwest have been canceled due to the widespread flooding and the Red Cross is asking residents in other areas unaffected by this disaster to give blood to help ensure blood supplies are stable. Call (800) GIVE LIFE or visit www.pleasegiveblood.org to schedule an appointment at a blood drive or a Blood Donor Center near you.

People affected by the flooding and extreme weather need your help. The best way to help the Red Cross continue to provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to victims of disasters is to make a financial contribution to the Disaster Relief Fund. Donors can contribute at www.RedCross.org, by phone at (800) HELP-NOW or (800) 257-7575 (Spanish) or by mail American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013.