March 28, 2001 Disaster News Release

Worcester, MA, March 28, 2001 - The American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts announced today that an EMERGENCY HELPLINE has been established for the residents displaced by the Wayside Condominium fire in Marlboro. All residents who have been affected by the fire may call the American Red Cross HELPLINE at 1-508-485-1157 for information and referrals.

A Red Cross Service Center has been opened at the Walker Building, 255 Main Street, Suite 201, in Marlboro. All residents of the Wayside Condominiums are encouraged to report to the Service Center to register for free assistance from the American Red Cross. Caseworkers and mental health workers will be available to interview clients and offer assistance between the hours of 2:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. daily.

In addition to the Service Center, free dinner will be served at 6:00 p.m. through Friday at the Francis J. Kane Elementary School, 520 Farm Road in Marlboro.

The Wayside Condominium Fire is the second largest disaster response for the American Red Cross over the past year. Since July 1, 2001 the local Chapter has responded to 74 local disasters and has provided emergency assistance to over 700 individuals in Central Massachusetts. The Wayside Condominium Fire relief effort has been deemed an American Red Cross National Disaster and the local chapter is receiving mutual aid from Red Cross trained volunteers from throughout New England and from National Headquarters.

In addition to providing emergency relief to the disaster clients, Red Cross volunteers have been working in conjunction with the Marlboro School Department to educate the children in the elementary school about the relief effort. Red Cross volunteers have visited 18 classrooms to explain to the students how the Red Cross is utilizing their gymnasium and cafeteria to provide emergency assistance and the type of services we are offering to their classmates who have been affected by the fire.

How you can help.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW OR 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be dropped off at the Marlborough Savings Bank, 166 Main Street, Marlborough or sent to your local American Red Cross chapter, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

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