In a year that had deadly tornadoes, fierce wildfires and destructive floods in many states, the Western Carolinas Region Red Cross responded to 627 disasters in the region and part of the 146 large disaster relief efforts led by the American Red Cross in 42 states and territories between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, 2013.
“We are able to be there for people in our communities day and night thanks to our dedicated volunteers and our generous financial donors,” said Ann Wright, Regional CEO. “We simply could not provide the comfort and care for those who have suffered a fire or other disaster without those who help with their time, talent and treasure.”
The Red Cross, Western Carolinas’ region includes 27 counties in western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina. Some of the hardest hit counties this year included: Spartanburg County, whose residents experienced 116 disaster incidents, including several multi-unit apartment fires affecting 147 families in the area.
In Greenville County, there were 97 disaster incidents and 121 families left without a home. In Buncombe County, the Red Cross responded to 51 incidents and offered assistance to 67 families in 2013.
Anderson County, where there were 46 disaster incidents resulting in 86 families served by the Red Cross.
In Henderson County, where there were 26 families who lost their homes to disaster incidents. Laurens County, whose residents experienced 17 fires affecting 18 families in 2013.
Donations can be made by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions can also be sent by mail to a Polk County’s Red Cross chapter 231 Ward St., Columbus, NC 28722. You can also reach Polk County Red Cross by calling 828-894-2700.
– article submitted
by Ann Wright