For Immediate Release October 23, 2007

Southeast MO Chapter Volunteers Respond to Southern California Wildfires

Cape Girardeau, MO Three volunteers from the Southeast Missouri Chapter have deployed to assist residents of Southern California. With the wildfires still escalating, Red Cross supplies and volunteers are en route to Southern California by the thousands. More than 500 American Red Cross workers have been hard at work since Sunday morning and the Red Cross is expanding its services rapidly as the needs change and escalate.

More than 3000 people from Southern California spent last night at 11 Red Cross shelters in safe areas outside of their threatened neighborhoods. There, they found Red Cross workers providing a safe place to sleep, a hot meal, and access to information. Red Cross mental health counselors are also on site to help clients manage the stress and fear that accompanies all disasters. The Red Cross continues to distribute water and food to firefighters and emergency workers in the affected areas as they work to battle the blazes and safeguard residents.

The Red Cross asks the public to please give generously to the Disaster Relief Fund in support of these disasters. Donations from the Disaster Relief Fund have enabled these local Red Cross volunteers to be stationed across the affected areas providing families, children and elderly with essential resources needed to cope with the immediate aftermath of the fires.

"Red Cross volunteers aid in the recovery of individuals and families affected by the fires," said Cheryl Klueppel, Executive Director at the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the American Red Cross. "Only with the dedication of volunteers and the public's continued support of the Disaster Relief Fund can we continue to provide lifesaving services during times of disaster."

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the California Wildfires, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster.  The American Red Cross honors donor intent.  If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.  Call (573) 335-9471. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 2430 Myra Drive Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.semoredcross.org.

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