Red Cross provides help to survivors of disasters

From press release

The Red Cross provides shelter, food, comfort and hope to survivors of nearly 70,000 disasters each year; helps prepare communities for emergencies; is the largest single provider of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills to more than 5 million people a year; supports military members and their families, and provides international humanitarian aid.

To fulfill this mission of providing support in the wake of disasters–whether natural or manmade–the Rock River Chapter of the American Red Cross relies on a healthy Disaster Relief Fund. With that in mind, local volunteers are hitting the pavement to collect much-needed donations toward the local Disaster Relief Fund.

Lora Gilbert, disaster action team volunteer and board member at the Rock River Chapter, is spearheading the collection efforts from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday, March 20, at high-traffic intersections. “Our agency is able to respond to local disasters through the dedication of volunteers like me,” Gilbert said. “It is truly empowering to know that our training and efforts offer comfort and hope to people in need next door, down the street, across the country and around the world.”

Volunteers will be at the following locations on Saturday, March 20:

• Perryville Road and East State Street (Rockford)

• West Riverside Boulevard & North Main Street (Rockford)

• State & Lincoln (Belvidere)

The American Red Cross touches the lives of millions of people every year through its network of 34,000 employees and more than 600,000 volunteers in more than 2,000 locations across the United States and more than 30 countries around the world.

Although major disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes and wildfires capture national media headlines, the day-to-day work of the Red Cross often takes place in local communities. In the past year, the Rock River Chapter supported 272 people following local emergencies, assisted 574 military families and trained 10,692 people in lifesaving skills.

Remember to support the Disaster Relief Fund in your community when you see Red Cross volunteers. You could be on the receiving end of the American Red Cross’ commitment to provide food, shelter and clothing when you need it most.