Evacuees Turn To Local Red Cross For Assistance

Worcester, MA, September 12, 2005 - With phone lines continuing to ring and a reception area full of potential volunteers, the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts is now entering a new phase of relief efforts to assist those affected by the wrath of Katrina.

Over the past several days, over 60 evacuees from the hardest hit areas have turned to the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts for help. Twenty three families have initiated casework with Red Cross volunteers who are working around the clock to welcome the evacuees into the City of Worcester and surrounding towns.

As people make their way into our community, local Red Cross volunteers are offering comfort and compassion to these southerners who have lost not only their homes, but their livelihoods, by providing assistance in the form of cash grants, temporary housing, food, clothing and emotional support.

The American Red Cross is encouraging family members and friends of those who are choosing to relocate either temporarily or permanently to Central MA to contact the local Chapter at 508-595-3700 to register for assistance.

Since the onset of the disaster relief operation, the American Red Cross has sheltered 1,938,000 individuals, in 900 shelters across 25 states. In addition, over 7 million meals have been served as well as an additional 6 million snacks.

“With the support of over 74,000 Red Cross trained volunteers and staff, the American Red Cross is responding to this ever-changing crisis with solutions that will help meet the immediate needs of Hurricane Survivors,” said Nicole Valentine, spokesperson for the American Red Cross of Central MA. “We are forever grateful to our community as they have opened their hearts and continue to offer their time and money to help our fellow Americans in their time of need.”

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