Annual Gifts Help Ensure Quick Response To Florida Tornadoes

The people in Central
Florida are still recovering from the devastation caused by last week's
tornadoes, which killed 20 people and impacted more than 2,000 homes in the
area. The American Red Cross was among the first on the ground helping
disaster victims with food, shelter, counseling and other assistance. The
rapid response to the basic needs of residents was made possible by
generous donations by members of the Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving
Program (ADGP). The ADGP provides the Red Cross with a guaranteed source of
funding to respond to thousands of disasters around the country each year.


Trained Red Cross disaster workers have provided more than 38,357 meals
and snacks, distributed more than 3,500 comfort and clean-up kits, and
delivered 11,800 bulk items to tornado victims in Lake, Sumter, and Volusia
counties.



"Our ADGP members' gifts to disaster preparedness and the Disaster
Relief Fund helped our organization respond immediately with shelter and
other services to those in need," said Jack McGuire, Interim President and
CEO of the American Red Cross. "Communities often think of the Red Cross
after a disaster has already affected thousands of lives. ADGP members are
truly unique because they ensure the Red Cross has the resources to respond
before a disaster strikes."



ADGP members pledge donations on an on-going basis, in advance of major
disasters, to help the American Red Cross ensure immediate response to meet
the needs of those affected by disasters of all sizes, at no cost and
regardless of income. Members include:



-- American Express Foundation


-- AT&T


-- AXA Foundation


-- Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation


-- Citigroup Foundation


-- ConAgra Foods Foundation


-- FedEx Corporation


-- Halliburton


-- JCPenney Company Fund


-- Lowe's Companies, Inc


-- Marriott International, Inc


-- Merck & Co., Inc


-- Morgan Stanley


-- Nestle Waters North America


-- Raytheon


-- State Farm


-- State Street Corporation


-- Target


-- TJX Companies, Inc


-- Woodman of the World/Omaha Woodman Life Insurance Society



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 Central Florida tornadoes, 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. Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local
American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243,
Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution
by visiting redcross/.


American Red Cross

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