DETROIT (June 13, 2024) – The American Red Cross has received a $20,000 grant from State Farm to support its disaster relief efforts in Michigan.

The grant will be distributed in equal amounts, with $10,000 supporting the disaster response to the May 7 tornadoes in Southwest Michigan and  $10,000 supporting the Red Cross home fire campaign. State Farm is a Red Cross national disaster giving partner.

“This grant from State Farm will provide critical support to our disaster relief efforts in Michigan,” said Mary Lynn Foster, regional chief executive officer of the Red Cross Michigan Region. “We are grateful for their generosity and support.”

The Red Cross plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster. More than 100 volunteers and staff supported its disaster relief operation in Southwest Michigan. Disaster workers opened an emergency shelter in the immediate aftermath of the tornadoes on May 7, delivered meals to people in the hardest hit areas as well as emergency relief supplies, completed damage assessments at more than 1,600 dwellings and provided health services and emotional support. More than 150 homes were destroyed or severely damaged by the tornadoes.

This spring, the Red Cross made nearly 700 Michigan households safer by installing free smoke alarms and teaching individuals & families about home fire safety, as part of its Sound the Alarm initiative and Home Fire Campaign.

Every year, the Red Cross responds to more than 60,000 disasters nationwide. Home fires account for most of them. Having working smoke alarms in your home can cut the risk of dying by half.

After a home fire, the Red Cross works with local fire departments to connect with families for needs like emergency lodging, emotional support, and other assistance.

###

MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606

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.