Salvation Army, American Red Cross Ask For Donations
Organizations' Relief Funds Take Financial Hit From Ike, Gustav
POSTED: 6:17 pm CDT September 14, 2008
UPDATED: 6:59 pm CDT September 14, 2008
FORT WORTH, Texas -- Back-to-back hurricanes Gustav and Ike have put a financial strain on thousands of evacuees -- and the organizations that provide assistance to them.
The American Red Cross and the Salvation Army work together to help people in times of need.
"They provide the shelter, we provide the food," a Salvation Army volunteer said.
The American Red Cross says its disaster relief fund faces a significant shortfall. Hurricane Gustav alone is expected to cost the organization about $70 million, and only 3 percent of that amount has been raised.
"Our disaster relief fund is lower than it's been in a long time," said Betsey Edmond, of the American Red Cross.
People can donate their loose change to the American Red Cross Relief Fund at Kroger grocery stores across North Texas. Donations can also be made by visiting www.redcross.org or calling 800-RED-CROSS.
The Salvation Army said it is also facing financial challenges because of the recent hurricanes.
"Our disaster resources are being depleted," Maj. Henry Gonzalez said.
The Salvation Army spends $53,000 a day providing three square meals to evacuees.
While some people may want to donate food, Gonzalez said financial donations make it easier for the Salvation Army to purchase the materials it needs.
Edmond also said monetary donations are preferred.
"The ARC has great partners, so we are able to stretch that dollar further than someone else can," she said.
It's also a question of logistics -- the Salvation Army doesn't have the warehouse space to keep non-perishable items.
The American Red Cross says North Texans can help by volunteering and donating money and blood.
Those interested in donating their time to local shelters should contact the American Red Cross. People who haven't previously volunteered can learn about training dates, times and locations at The Red Cross' Web site at www.redcrossdfw.org or its blog at www.redcrossdfwdisaster.wordpress.com
People who want to volunteer in other ways can contact the Volunteer Center of North Texas at 866-797-8268 or www.vcnt.org.
The Red Cross also says it is in need of blood donations. A blood mobile will be set up at the Dallas Area Chapter at 4800 Harry Hines Blvd. on Monday from noon to 5 p.m.
Donors can also visit the American Red Cross Blood Center at 1 Medical Parkway in Farmers Branch from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday or schedule a blood donation by calling 800-GIVE LIFE or visiting www.givelife.org.
Evacuees said they appreciate the work done by the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.
Cedrea Townsend, an evacuee from Houston, said the people with the organizations are "real sweet and kind."
"They're very important, because we don't have nothing," she said. "We came with nothing, and they've helped us out."
AI
