American Red Cross Accepting Donations
to Help Families Affected by Flooding in Southern Florida
News Release: October 5, 2000
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262
The Lehigh Valley American Red Cross is accepting cash donations to help the thousands of residents affected by severe flooding in southern Florida.
A strengthening tropical wave over the Florida Straits this week triggered widespread flooding and power outages over much of southern Florida. Thousands of homes in Dade and Broward counties have reported anywhere from 1 to 6 feet of water.
The Red Cross has opened shelters in the affected areas and Damage Assessment Teams are in the affected area determining the scope of the disaster.
"Many families in Florida have suffered not only the loss of their homes and everything they own, but the emotional pain that such tragedy brings," John Hughes, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Red Cross, said. "The financial impact of larger disasters can quickly exceed the resources of local Red Cross chapters in the affected area. The fastest and most effective way to assist the families affected by this and other disasters is through cash donations."
Lehigh Valley residents can help the victims of this and other disasters through cash donations to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to the Lehigh Valley Red Cross at 2200 Avenue A, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcrosslv.org, clicking on "donate now" and choosing "national disaster relief fund" as their option of giving.
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary gifts of time and money from the American people.
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization, led by volunteers, that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. To learn more about the American Red Cross, Lehigh Valley Chapter, call (610) 865-4400 or visit our Web site at www.redcrosslv.org.
