American Red Cross Disaster Newsroom

American Red Cross Transitions Into Feeding Operation
While Shelter Numbers Decrease, the Need for Meals Increases

February 1, 2009 – LITTLE ROCK -Since day one of the ice storm, American Red Cross workers have been caring for residents affected by the debilitating ice storm that all but paralyzed the northern third of the state.

More than forty Red Cross shelters, or community and faith based shelters supported by the Red Cross, from the eastern to the western borders of the state, opened to provide a warm place to stay with meals, in spite of the brutal conditions.

As temperatures rise into tolerable ranges, most shelters have been closed as residents return to their homes. “We still have twenty five Red Cross or Red Cross supported shelters operating in various locations.”

American Red Cross shelters include:
• First United Methodist Church, Blytheville
• Manila Airport Community Center, Manila
• Arkansas State University Convocation Center, Jonesboro
• Ash Flat Church of Christ, Ash Flat
• Salem Baptist Church, Salem
• Viola Assembly of God Church, Viola
• First Baptist Church, Paragould
• Marmaduke Baptist Church, Marmaduke
• Horseshoe Bend Catholic Church, Horseshoe Bend
• East Side Baptist Church, Mountain Home
• Mountain Home Youth Center, Mountain Home
• National Guard Armory, Harrison

“If someone is need of locating a shelter, they can call 1-866-GET INFO.” according to Brigette Williams, spokesperson for the American Red Cross.

The Need to Feed
While thousands of residents without power are back in their homes, they’re still unable to prepare food, causing Red Cross disaster relief to shift to filling that critical need. “As an example, more than 600 and 400 meals are being served, three times a day, in Mountain Home and Manila,” stated Williams. “We also have two Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs) traveling through Boone County with meals on board.”
To support the pre-existing local Red Cross response, and expectation of expansion of feeding in the more rural areas of the state, eleven ERVs are on hand to provide more coverage.

With the assistance of disaster partners, like the Southern Baptist Disaster Teams who prepare meals with supplies provided by the Red Cross, additional fixed feeding locations are also open. The national office of the American Red Cross has also sent in for support:
• 2 Feeding Managers
• 2 Kitchen Supervisors
• 6 Shelter Supervisors
• 32 Shelter Workers

“Being Red Cross workers, these trained volunteers are prepared to “change hats” as needs change.” according to Williams. While two additional nurses have also been sent in for the needs of residents, more may added. “We know we have a large senior population affected that may need care.” stated Williams. “We also have mental health workers on hand for those wanting to talk to someone.”

The Need to Help
“The disaster response from sheltering, to feeding to counseling is available at no charge to Arkansans because of continuing giving from not just Arkansans, but people around the country to the National Disaster Relief Fund.,” according to Williams. Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on financial support as well as volunteering from the public. “Arkansas received more than $1 million dollars from the Fund this past spring for the disaster relief provided in numerous areas around the state as storms moved through each week from February through mid May.”

The Fund is there when communities cannot cover the disaster relief for their area. “Understandably, Arkansas is a consistent beneficiary of the Fund with regular large scale disasters.” A tax deductible donation can be made at www.redcross.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish).

The Need for Blood
With residents in Arkansas as well as other affected states responding to their local disasters with ice storms, blood donations are being adversely affected. Arkansans are encouraged to give the gift of life, an important and life saving way to help with the disaster relief. “The needs of patients who rely on blood contributions daily due to illness are on going,” Explains Williams. To set an appointment call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.givelife.org.

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For more information from the American Red Cross of Greater Arkansas visit www.redcrosslittlerock.org. For media inquiries, please contact Bridget Williams at (501) 748-1030.