Media Contact: Martin Gagliano
Telephone: (510)368-8320
martin.gagliano@redcross.org
On March 22, donate to provide emergency shelter, food and other aid for families in need
SAN FRANCISCO. March 22, 2023 — Every eight minutes, generous donations enable the American Red Cross to respond to a disaster in the U.S. when help can’t wait for families who need emergency shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance. In California, the Red Cross is responding as millions of people face the latest flooding threat. This week’s weather brings the 12th atmospheric river to hit California since late December.
Since December, more than 1,500 trained disaster workers have deployed to help people affected by severe weather. The Red Cross and partners have provided more than 17,000 overnight stays for more than 2,600 residents in 143 emergency shelters. With the help of partners, more than 94,600 meals and snacks have been provided, and more than 35,600 relief items including comfort kits and other supplies have been provided to people in need. More than 7,100 total households have been served. In addition, trained Red Cross volunteers have also helped more than 1,100 people with support such as the replacement of eyeglasses and medical needs like prescriptions.
Be safe and listen to the advice of emergency officials. If you need a safe place to stay, find open shelters on redcross.org, the free Red Cross Emergency app or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) and selecting the disaster option.
HOW YOU CAN HELP On March 22, Red Cross Giving Day, unite with thousands of compassionate people and celebrate Red Cross Month by donating at redcross.org/givingday. A gift of any size makes a difference to provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance.
If you have the time, you can make a significant impact as a Red Cross volunteer. Review our most urgently needed volunteer positions at redcross.org/volunteertoday.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.
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