Red Cross Volunteers Assisted 100 People Affected by Home Fires in the Past Week

American Red Cross volunteers responded to 21 home fires in the past week in Justice, Tinley Park, Des Plaines, Naperville, Antioch, Lombard, Summit, Joliet, Monee, Plainfield, and Chicago and provided assistance to 100 people, including 30 children, by supplying them with items to meet immediate needs after a fire, and additional support in the form of health and mental health services and one-on-one support.

Visit redcross.org/fire for information on setting up your home fire escape drill and to learn more about home fire safety. Download our free Emergency app by searching for “American Red Cross” in app stores or visiting redcross.org/apps.

Please call 800-RED-CROSS (800-733-2767) if you or someone you know needs assistance after a home fire or local disaster.


Latinos Play Vital Role with Critical Blood Donations

Blood donations from the Latino and Hispanic communities are vital to help meet the needs of patients across the country. This Hispanic Heritage Month and every day of the year, the American Red Cross celebrates and recognizes the work of all its Hispanic and Latino employees, volunteers and blood donors who contribute significantly to its lifesaving mission.

Nearly 60% of Latinos have type O blood—a crucial blood type in emergency situations and too often in low supply. More than a quarter of all blood products transfused each year are used in critical care and emergency situations. The Red Cross is grateful for the more than 168,000 self-identified Hispanic blood donors who generously roll-up their sleeves each year. Their lifesaving donations help the Red Cross to meet the needs of some of its most vulnerable patients—trauma and accident victims, newborns and their moms, and patients battling severe chronic illnesses like cancer and sickle cell disease.

In celebration National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Red Cross encourages the public to join with the Hispanic community to helping shape a brighter future for patients in need of lifesaving blood—schedule an appointment to give by visiting RedCrossBlood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

To say thanks, all who come to give blood Sept. 16-30 will get a $15 e-gift card. See RedCrossBlood.org/Fall for details. All who come to give blood in October will get a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card by email and a chance to win one of three $5,000 gift cards. See details at RedCrossBlood.org/Treat.

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 follow us on social media.