Video: Northeast Mississippi Red Cross Chapter

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UNDATED, Miss. (WCBI)-In times of disaster, America Red Cross volunteers spring into action to offer comfort and relief.

This time of the year the Red Cross and other non profit agencies are experiencing dwindling resources.

During this, their busiest time of the year, volunteers from the Northeast Mississippi Chapter of The American Red Cross have been doing what they do best.

Rushing to the scene with support and a shoulder to lean on.

“We had some apartment fires and we had some single family fires that we gave family assistance to. And we also put some of them up in a hotel,” said Perneatha Evans, Branch Office Coordinator.

“People are finding creative ways to stay warm. They’re plugging up heaters that haven’t been used in years. They are using extension cords. I mean just different things so, we’re asking that people give a little extra to fire families this year,” added Evans.

Whether its in a Columbus neighborhood, or in Aberdeen, where a life is lost due to a fire, or sending representatives to help our neighbors to the North rocked by Hurricane Sandy, the Red Cross is ready to help.

“Last week going up there to help with communities and publicity, and getting the word out to people that we’re there. We are still there. We haven’t left and we’re going to stay there until there is no longer a need. But right now there is a need for the Red Cross to be there helping the Hurricane Sandy victims,” said Evans.
A new Red Cross initiative titled “Friend A Fire Family” is asking organizations to go a little bit further than individual donors this holiday season.

In Mississippi, the Red Cross responds to at least 25 single-family fires a week.

This month alone WCBI News has reported on about half dozen fires.

“Since January our chapter, the Northeast Mississippi Chapter, we’ve assisted 270 families. And since November we have assisted at least 23 families,” said Evans.

Whether it providing blankets, a safe place to stay, or just a sympathetic listening ear, Red Cross volunteers are Johnny on the spot because of your support.

The Christmas Holiday Season is a good time to give a donation in the name of your favorite charity as a Christmas gift.

 

Categories: Local News

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