mitchells posted on February 04, 2011 09:46
Shelters open; blood donors still needed
RALEIGH, NC February 4, 2011 — The American Red Cross is on the ground in 19 states, offering food, comfort and a safe place to stay to people affected by the massive winter storm which has buried the country in ice and snow from the Rocky Mountains to Maine.
Across the country, 73 shelters were open in nine states as of midnight last night, with additional shelters on standby as the storm system moves to the Northeast. In Chicago alone, more than 360 people spent the night in Red Cross shelters. In Tulsa, Red Cross disaster workers housed almost 70 people overnight who could not make it home due to the storm. Five Red Cross disaster warehouses are on alert, ready to ship supplies to where they are needed to help people in the path of this huge winter storm.
“Red Cross chapters across the country are opening shelters to provide hot meals and safe place to stay to stranded motorists, or those who have had to leave their homes,” said Barry Porter, Red Cross Regional Director. “This storm is projected to affect a third of the population of this country, and we are lending a hand where needed. While our region is outside the path of this storm, financial donations will make it possible for the Red Cross to respond to future needs.”
If someone wants to help people affected by the storm or those affected by the thousands of disasters across the country and around the world, they can visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to the Triangle Area Chapter, 100 N. Peartree Lane, Raleigh, NC 27610, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
Blood Donors Still Needed
Since January 1, winter storms have forced the cancellation of over 750 blood drives, resulting in a shortfall of more than 28,500 blood and platelet donations. We urge people who are eligible to schedule an appointment to give blood now or as soon as travel conditions permit.
People can schedule their donation by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting www.redcrossblood.org. All blood types are needed, but there is a special need for donors with O-Negative, A-Negative and B-Negative blood. To give blood, someone must be 17 years of age or older (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. Individuals should bring their Red Cross blood donor card or other form of positive ID when coming to donate.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
You can help people affected by disasters like winter storms, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.
####