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Red Cross Kicks off Adopt a Day of Disaster Relief
Allmerica Financial, Fallon Healthcare, Price Chopper, Worcester Business Journal sign on as lead sponsors
Worcester, MA, March 13, 2001 - When disaster strikes, Help Can't Wait. This is why American Red Cross volunteers stand by on alert twenty four hours a day, 365 days a year, ready to respond to help their neighbors in need.
The American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts responds to nearly 150 disasters every year and meets the emergency needs of hundreds of disaster victims right here in our community. The cost of providing disaster relief to Central Massachusetts residents averages $1,335.00 a day or $6,675.00 per week. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, a gift from the American people.
Recent statistics have shown an increase in the number of local disasters over the past few years. As the number of local disasters increase, the cost of providing emergency assistance (vouchers for food, clothing, temporary shelter and household necessities) also continues to rise. In an effort to ensure that help will be available to disaster clients here in Central MA, the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts is reaching out to businesses in our community for financial support.
On Thursday, March 15, 2001 the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts will held a press conference to kick off the Adopt a Day of Disaster Relief Program. The local chapter is pleased to announce that four companies here in Central Massachusetts, ALLMERICA Financial, Fallon Healthcare System , Price Chopper, and the Worcester Business Journal have each stepped forward with at least $10,000 in gifts and will be lead sponsors for this vital program. Representatives from the four companies and Chief Timothy Gray of the Worcester Fire Dept. joined Red Cross volunteers and staff on Thursday as they introduced the new program to the community.
Additional Sponsors who have signed on to the program include Allegro Microsystems (3 days of relief), Ascential Software, Nypro, Inc., Norton Company Foundation, and Massachusetts Electric Company. Each sponsor will be recognized for their day of support on a sign that will be placed on the Chapter's Emergency Response Vehicle. The logos of our major sponsors will remain on the sign permanently.
Companies who are interested in adopting a day of relief are encouraged to call Melinda Mann at the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, (508) 756-5711 ext. 304.
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