‘Fire Hurts, Red Cross helps’ campaign underway

When people think of the Red Cross they usually think of donating blood or large disasters like hurricanes and tornadoes. With all the attention received by major disasters, people don’t realize the most common disaster threat is not hurricanes or tornadoes—it’s home fires.

Last year in our area the Red Cross responded to nearly two home fires each day.

After these fires, residents had to face finding a place to stay, purchasing food and clothing, replacing lost possessions, notifying loved ones and navigating insurance.

So 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, Red Cross volunteers are on call to help those left homeless by a house fire in our community. In that moment, when people are at one of the lowest points in their lives, the Red Cross provides emergency food, clothing, and shelter.

Most often our volunteers are on scene shortly after firefighters are rolling up their hoses and preparing to depart the scene. It is at this time that our volunteers spring into action, assessing needs and providing support.

There is no other local organization that delivers the same services, at the exact time and place they are needed most. Your donation is a gift to your community. The fire relief services provided by our local American Red Cross are funded exclusively through local contributions. No government subsidies. No federal funding. Which means your donations aren’t just important–they’re everything.

To donate call the local chapter of the American Red Cross at 541-541-749-4196 or donate online at our website: http://www.redcross.org/or/bend/ways-to-donate/fire-hurts-red-cross-helps