American Red Cross Disaster Relief Buffers Hurricane Charley's Rampage

Red Cross Accepting Welfare Inquiries For Missing Loved Ones

August 17, 2004, Worcester, MA - After carving a path of destruction through an area of Florida that hasn't seen a storm of this magnitude in more than 40 years, Hurricane Charley took at least 16 lives, injured hundreds and left over 15,000 people homeless. With many still missing and search and recovery efforts ongoing, the American Red Cross has mobilized a massive relief effort-so far more than 280,00 meals have been served and more than 363 shelters were opened across the state, with many still housing people with no home to return to. Click here for more information and pictures

American Red Cross volunteers continue to work around the clock on this massive relief effort, assessing damage, feeding and sheltering thousands and providing comfort to those who have lost everything. Seventy eight volunteers from the Northeast Service are have been deployed for assignment over the past two days.

Locally, American Red Cross staff and volunteers continue to work to with 10 individuals from Central Massachusetts who are unable to make contact with friends or loved ones who reside within Charley's path of destruction. To date, over 3,000 welfare inquiries have been received by Service Centers in Florida alone. Individuals who wish to make a welfare inquiry are encouraged to call their local American Red Cross at 508-595-3700 and ask to speak to a Disaster Services Caseworker.

Current Disaster Relief Efforts include:

Shelters opened:

Total Number of Shelters: 373
Total Number of Shelter Population: 51,773

Feeding and Bulk Distribution:

Number of Meals Served through Monday: 280,000
Number of Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles Deployed: 112
Comfort & Clean Up Kits Issued: 23,000

How Can You Help?

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of Tropical Storm Bonnie, Hurricane Charley and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to those in need. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the American Red of Central MA, 2000 Century Drive, Worcester, MA 01606 or the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure on-line credit card donation by visiting www.redcross.org. Telephone donations are also being accepted by calling 1-800-HELP-NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

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