Newsroom
General News
03.09.2010 American Red Cross opening shelter after early-morning fire
As the local chapter of the American Red Cross prepares to open a shelter for displaced residents, officials estimate the disaster response will cost the chapter upward of $30,000.
That amount covers the cost of providing assistance for food, clothing and shelter on a case-by-case basis to the more than 60 families displaced by the four-alarm fire at Charlotte Woods Apartments that started in the early morning of Tuesday, March 9.
“The best way for our community to help these families is to make a donation. Thanks to our local partnerships, we are able to get the most out of every donated dollar,” said Pamela Jefsen, CEO of the Greater Carolinas Chapter. “We have seen our community here in Charlotte step up and support the Red Cross after the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. Now we have a large-scale disaster here in our own backyard.”
Red Cross volunteers were on the scene of the fire early this morning to provide food and drinks to the displaced families as well as the Charlotte Fire Department and other first responders. Red Cross volunteers are still on the scene working with families to ensure their immediate needs are being met.
Charlotte Animal Care and Control is also on the scene to ensure the safety of the pets involved in the incident.
The shelter will be open at 5 p.m. at E.E. Waddell High School, 7030 Nations Ford Road.
If you want to help:
1. Make a donation by visit http://www.redcrosshelps.org or calling 704.347.8352.
2. Become a Red Cross volunteer. Visit www.redcrosshelps.org/help-now.
About the American Red Cross
Help people affected by disasters like the four-alarm fire by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for disasters and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 704.347.8352 or visit http://www.redcrosshelps.org to make a contribution.