Together We Serve: Making the Red Cross Part of your Place of Worship’s Ministry Program

Written by Lilly Watson, staff contributor 

Churches and other places of worship are designed to host groups of people who want to come together under their common faith. While the common belief system of the congregates might be what originally brings them together, there’s usually lots of activities and groups at churches for the many hobbies that might be shared amongst members. Check a local church community board and you’ll typically find anything from quilting club, bunko, singles groups and more.

Faith Bible Church in DeSoto, Texas, had a unique idea for a new ministry group after watching Hurricane Katrina roll into the Gulf Coast on the news seven years ago. They saw people come into the Dallas area with nowhere to go and wanted to be there the next time nature put people in need of shelter. They wanted to come together as a church in service under the leadership and training of the Red Cross. 

Faith Bible Church’s impressive building, with full working kitchens, a roomy gymnasium, and special rooms that could sleep families with infants, was the perfect place to operate as a community shelter. After a few years of training and waiting for the disaster call, the church officially opened its doors to potential evacuees from Hurricane Isaac last night. 

Soon after beginning their training it was easy to see that the Red Cross has a role for all kinds of skill sets and interests on a disaster team. The ladies of Faith Bible know and love cooking for a crowd and signed on as the feeding committee. Young men from the youth group were ready to unload the trailer and pop open cots once supplies arrive. Even Pastor Andy was on hand at the opening to do what he does best in his role – lend personal support and encouragement to the staff. 

I always love hearing how new volunteers find their way to the Red Cross. The story of the people at Faith Bible Church is one that will be hard for me to ever forget. What’s better than completing your training and starting your Red Cross story alongside 50 of your fellow church members?

The Red Cross will always be ready to take volunteers, whether you’re coming solo to meet new people or you’re part of a group that wants to find new ways to grow and serve as a team. As Faith Bible Church learned last night, you never know when your Red Cross preparedness will be called upon, and we were so grateful that they took our call! 

To find out more about volunteering with the Red Cross, visit redcrossdallas.org.

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Dunk Tablets Available for Lewisville Residents

Original information from the City of Lewisville

The City of Lewisville will distribute free larvicide "dunk" tablets to residents on a limited basis today and tomorrow. 

Each household is eligible to receive two free tablets while supplies last.

Central Fire Station

188 N. Valley Parkway, 

Hours: between 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

This will be a drive-through service operated by volunteers from Lewisville Fire Department Reserves and the American Red Cross. Residents will be required to show a driver's license or current water bill bearing a single-family Lewisville address in order to receive their two free tablets. 

Red Cross volunteers work with Lewisville Fire
Department Reserves members to hand out tablets.

Packets will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis until the supply is exhausted. 

Tablets should be used according to directions provided at time of pick-up and are intended to kill mosquito eggs and larvae in standing water sources, such as ponds or planters. Residents, business operators and apartment managers also are reminded that larvicide tablets can be purchased inexpensively at many local retailers. 

While larvicide tablets can be effective in controlling the mosquito population within a localized area, residents who use the tablets should continue to practice the 4 D's: 

• Try to stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes tend to be most active.
• Dress in long sleeves and pants when outdoors (weather permitting).
• Use repellent containing the active ingredient Deet when going into areas where mosquitoes might be active.
• Drain standing water from such sources as tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, cans, buckets and ground depressions. These are prime mosquito breeding areas.

Residents also are encouraged to report standing water on city-maintained property by calling Lewisville Animal Control at (972) 219-3478.

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One Week Later: A Message of Gratitude

Written by Kyla Campbell

The American Red Cross stands shoulder to shoulder with victims after disaster, whether it's down the street, around the country or across the world.

And this last week, disaster has been down Forney's streets, down Arlington's streets and down Lancaster's streets leaving multiple city's to recover, multiple neighborhoods stunned and one Red Cross to respond.

Listen to our CEO, T.D. Smyers, as he expresses his gratitude for service to everyone who has helped spread our message, volunteer, and give selflessly of time and resources over the last 7 days.

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Lancaster Victims Celebrate Easter with Hope

Written by Tonya Solis-Mosby

People who lost their homes this week from a tornado that ripped through a section of a Lancaster, Texas neighborhood were thrust in the arms of destruction and devastation. Many sought shelter with the American Red Cross, while others sought refuge with family or friends.

But as the week turned into the weekend, thoughts of today being a holiday came to the forefront of the victims' minds.

“We have too much to be thankful for,” said Clyde Lee, who lived in the Portofino Apartments before the storm. “We are going to church. We wouldn’t miss it.”

Mr. Lee and his wife, Betty, made a second visit to the Lancaster HS Field House, currently serving as the Recovery Center, on Saturday to take part in the services offered by the Red Cross and other non-profit organizations who have partnered to bring relief services under one roof for those in need.  The Lees first visit on Friday, the first day of the Recovery Center, was for necessities such as food and clothing. Their return visit was to seek assistance with insulin for Mr. Lee to replace that which was left in their apartment.

“It’s going to be much like we usually do,” he said with Mrs. Lee smiling and nodding in agreement. “We are thankful that we are OK and that we had a place to go. So, today, we are going to church.”

The sentiment of showing thanks by going to church was echoed by Tiesha Wiley, who also visited the assistance center Saturday.

“It’s going to be life as normal,” Ms. Wiley said adding that she also lives at Portofino Apartments. She said she had visited her apartment only hours before coming to the assistance center. Damage to her apartment was limited to a leaking ceiling and some water damage.

“I have three young children,” she said while receiving donated Easter baskets, one of which was handed to Ms. Wiley’s 6-year-old daughter who scooped it up with excitement. “We are thankful for everything. So, we are going to church.”

Easter baskets are gathered as workers in the background prepare to meet residents.

Ms. Wiley said among the things for which she is thankful is the American Red Cross. 

“The response was urgent,” she said. “They were immediately here and they’ve been here the whole time. They opened the shelter quickly and it was very convenient.”

“Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for,” Ms. Wiley’s neighbor Toya Jeffery added. “I’m going to church, too. It’s Easter.”

Lancaster residents and the residents in the other North Texas cities affected by the multiple tornadoes that swept through the area are receiving help now, and they will continue to need help for community partners. The American Red Cross stands beside partner organizations during disaster all across the country to provide for the immediate needs after disasters. 

If you wish to help during a disaster you can help by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross. There are several ways to do it. Among them, you can call 1-800-REDCROSS, visit redcross.org or you can text “REDCROSS” to 90999. The text donation of $10 will be automatically applied to your phone bill.

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Partnerships Run Deep in Texas

Written by Rusty Surrette

Southwest Airlines donated thousands of snacks today that were immediately loaded on trucks to be handed out at shelters and in communities impacted by the tornadoes in Texas.

"We're a proud supporter of the Red Cross and the work that they do, and we're happy to help out," said Southwest Airlines spokeswoman Marylee McInnis. "We think that this is very important that we give back to our community."

Following a disaster, Red Cross volunteers work around the clock to open shelters and provide food to affected families. In the middle of chaos and disaster, something as simple as a cup of coffee or a bag of pretzels can provide a sense of comfort and normalcy to those who have lost everything. 


We work with our partners and supporters - before, during and after a disaster - to keep snacks, beverages, blankets, cleaning supplies, tarps and other essential items stocked, positioned in warehouses around the nation, ready to go at a moments notice.

When you make a donation to the Red Cross, you're not only supporting our mission of helping families, but you're also giving us the opportunity to prepare for the next tornado, fire or flood.

If you would like to become a supporter of the Red Cross, please call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcrossdallas.org today.

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Written by Rusty Surette

The American Red Cross is working around the clock to bring relief, support and comfort to those affected by the tornado outbreak in North Texas this week. 

Not only are volunteers meeting with families who have lost their homes, but they are also taking care of first responders and other organizations and groups helping out.

One of those groups is Home Depot. On Wednesday, an estimated 180 store employees descended into communities impacted by the tornadoes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“It’s important for us to be in communities when times are good. It’s also important for us to be in communities when times are bad,” said Home Depot Store Manager Trina Booker.

The employees will be boarding up broken windows, replacing smashed fences and clearing tree limbs and other debris from yards over the next several days. As the crew worked non-stop under the warm Wednesday sun, the American Red Cross was there in Arlington to hand out bottles of water, snacks and lunches to exhausted employees.

“It was really needed and we were thrilled to see the Red Cross trucks coming around the corner,” said Booker. “It’s just great to know your Red Cross volunteers are here to help us as we are helping others.”

The Home Depot teams will be in affected neighborhoods for the rest of the week providing immediate clean-up assistance.  Next to them will be Red Cross workers offering hot meals, beverages, comfort kits and cleaning supplies.

When disaster strikes, no one agency can do it alone. That’s why we rely on our corporate citizens like Home Depot to step up, pitch it and make a difference for those who need help the most.

If you would like to help, please go online to www.redcrossdallas.org to give your time as a volunteer, your blood as a donor or your money as a financial gift to help continue our mission.

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Photos: Veterans Day Parade 11/11/11

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Seasons change but the need remains constant

Thank goodness we can finally wave goodbye to a record breaking summer - record breaking because of the triple digit heat across the country, devastating fires in Texas and a hurricane that hit just about the entire east coast. While the merciless heat is gone and a new season approaches, the need for life-saving blood remains constant. Every TWO seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. Think about that statement. What can you do in two seconds? Snap your finger, yawn or wave goodbye to summer? In that time, someone needed a blood transfusion.

So, how does the Red Cross make sure blood is available for that patient? By only using what you graciously donate because blood cannot be purchased or manufactured. You can see why even coming to give blood makes you a hero in the eyes of patients, their family and friends and the Red Cross. Come save a life with us this fall. To learn more about blood and make an appointment to become a hero, please visit http://www.redcrossblood.org/.

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It’s Hard to Keep a Good Man Down

At age 98, the nation’s oldest American Red Cross blood donor continues saving lives.

In the last 100 years, the world has seen a man walk on the moon, two world wars transpire, the formation of the United Nations and the introduction of LifeSavers candy. While these historical benchmarks are well publicized, another significant event of a “true lifesaver” deserves honor and recognition.

On February 17, 1913, Willard M. Hayne, the nation’s oldest American Red Cross blood donor, was born in Gresham, Oregon. Currently 98 years old, Willard began donating in 1949, just one year after Dr. Carl Walter, a trained surgeon, developed a plastic bag for the collection of blood in place of glass bottles.

“Any chance I can encourage people to donate, I will,” Willard exclaimed. Even later in life, when blood donor regulations limited the upper age limit, Willard returned as a regular donor once the limitation was lifted.

Willard has successfully donated 138 units, eight of which occurred in the last 24 months. Not content to stop at 138 donations, Willard last attempted to give blood in August 2011 and will make another attempt on September 22nd in the Coos Bay area, where he’s been retired (and donating) for the last 18 years.

Willard comes from a history of gratitude and hard work, which is instrumental in his philosophy of blood donation. After retiring from the banking industry, Willard states that he “started from the bottom as a bookkeeper and worked my way up to manager.” He finished his career as bank manager at First National Bank of Oregon in Silverton, which is now a Wells Fargo.

Passing on his donation practice to those around him, Willard has instilled the habit of giving blood in his three children, including a son who has provided directed donations in Minnesota due to his rare blood type. Now that Willard is retired, he’s found friends in fellow blood donors in his retirement community. “I feel grateful that I’m healthy enough to donate. It’s been a blessing to me.”

Beyond donating blood, Willard has also made financial donations to the Red Cross after witnessing how the organization provided emergency services during disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis. Although Willard has lived an incredible life of generosity, he is humble when informed of his status as the nation’s oldest American Red Cross blood donor.

“It feels so good to be honored as a donor. I’ve never expected anything in return. You hear about people who need blood and just being able to donate is a gift enough.”

Blood Supply in Texas is in Critical Condition

After months of scorching temperatures, followed by wildfires and hurricanes, the blood supply in Texas is at a critical low. The American Red Cross urges immediate blood donations. Learn more about the immediate need and how you can help save a life.

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Local Blood Supply in Critical Condition

American Red Cross Urges Immediate Donations

After months of scorching temperatures, followed by wildfires and hurricanes, the blood supply in Texas is at a critical low. Donations are needed immediately. In fact, the Red Cross hopes to collect 1,370 units of blood in Texas before the end of the month to ensure that an ample supply is on the shelf before the next emergency. To schedule a blood donation or find a drive in your area, go to www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS.

The American Red Cross thanks you in advance for your lifesaving gift and for advancing this message to other potential donors.

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From the Ashes: Nana's Garden

Shirley Ellett from Paige, Texas in Bastrop County.

Written by: Rusty Surette / American Red Cross Public Affairs

“This is it,” said Shirley Ellett. “This is all that’s left of ‘Nana’s Garden.’”

The Texas grandmother of two points to the only stone on her scorched land that appears to be untouched by recent wildfires.

“My granddaughters painted this rock for me,” explained Ellett as she struggled to lift the heavy stone. “And when we came home we saw we had lost everything. Everything, but this.”

Ellett is surrounded by family, including her grandkids, and she’s covered in a blanket she received from the American Red Cross. She’s using the blanket to keep herself dry from an afternoon storm that rolled into Bastrop County this weekend.

“The rain would have been nice a week ago,” she said. Thankfully I had this blanket inside my kit.” Also in the Red Cross backpack is a flashlight that can also charge a cell phone, a first aid kit and gloves.

“This has been wonderful,” said Ellett standing next to her daughter. “Yesterday we were able to get a sifter, trash bags and snacks at the Red Cross station down the street. Thank you so much.”

Wildfires across Texas have destroyed more than 1,500 homes and left many wondering where they’ll go from here. That’s why more than 340 volunteers and staff with the American Red Cross have spread across the Lone Star State handing out comfort kits, feeding affected families and supporting overnight shelters.

In addition to providing counseling to those who have been affected by the fires, Red Cross volunteers have teamed up with the Southern Baptist Convention to serve more than 6,000 meals in Bastrop County alone.

Ellett says this is home and she plans to rebuild on her land here in the Paige community.

“I have my family. We’re strong. We’ll be fine”, she said.

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Photos: Central Texas Wildfires

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American Red Cross Responds Across the Country to Wildfires, Floods and Tornadoes

The American Red Cross provided food and shelter for more than 1,000 people around the country Monday night from multiple disasters, including residents impacted by wildfires in Texas and Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee, which left severe weather in its wake over the Labor Day weekend.

In Texas, more than 450 residents spent Monday night in 10 Red Cross shelters as wildfires burned hundreds of homes and forced residents to evacuate. The Red Cross disaster response in Texas now joins multiple other Red Cross operations underway across the U.S. in response to floods, other wildfires and tornadoes.

Tornadoes spawned by remnants of Lee damaged homes and caused evacuations in Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee on Monday, leading the Red Cross to open shelters in all three states. Red Cross shelters were also opened in Louisiana and Mississippi as Lee dumped torrential rain on the Gulf Coast. Heavy rains and extensive flooding are expected to continue as Lee’s remnants expand northeast into the Tennessee Valley and central Appalachian mountains through Tuesday.

The Red Cross is also continuing to help people impacted by Hurricane Irene. To date, the Red Cross has served more than 1.6 million meals and snacks and provided approximately 58,000 overnight shelter stays since the storm made landfall on August 27. The Red Cross is also distributing supplies to help residents who are cleaning up homes damaged by Irene’s wind, rain and floods. So far, the Red Cross has given out more than 516,000 relief items such as hygiene kits, mops, brooms, tarps, work gloves and coolers.

“Right now our focus is making sure people forced from their homes by floods and wildfires have a safe place to stay and a good meal,” said Charley Shimanski, Red Cross senior vice president of disaster services. “The Red Cross works year-round to be prepared to help people affected by emergencies, and that’s why we’re able to respond to so many disasters at one time.”

The Red Cross currently has disaster relief operations active in more than a dozen states, and current estimates for Red Cross relief for Hurricane Irene alone are from $10 million to $15 million.

Those who want to help can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. This gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS; you can also text the word “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions may also be sent to local American Red Cross chapters or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

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Disaster Update: Tornadoes in Texas

Rope tornado over Denton, Texas on May 24, 2011 at 8:05pm. Photo Credit: Brian Vinson (@brianvinson on Twitter)

After fanning out across the area to assess damage left behind by violent storms on Tuesday night, Red Cross teams have discovered that more than 100 homes received some type of damage. The breakdown is as follows:

(2) Homes Destroyed (both in Dallas County)
(32) Homes with Major Damage (Dallas Apartment Building)
(79) Homes with Minor Damage such as fences down, trees down, shingles off, windows out

In all, 113 families were affected by the storms. For those families who have no home left, the American Red Cross is assisting them with a safe place to stay and assistance so they can purchase new clothing, new shoes, groceries, items for their kids and more.

Given the seriousness of the storms, the Red Cross is relieved that more people didn’t suffer. For many, they recognized that they were not fully prepared for the intensity of the storms, so the Red Cross has created a site with free information that can help residents learn what to do if a tornado is approaching and they’re at work, at school, in a vehicle, mobile home and more. The best time to get educated about tornadoes is before the sky is rotating so citizens are encouraged to visit www.redcrossdallas.org/blog for helpful information.

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Red Cross Gearing up for Mississippi River Flooding

The American Red Cross is ramping up to help people along the Mississippi River, where forecasters are predicting potentially catastrophic flooding may occur starting later this week. The Red Cross is sending trained volunteers and supplies to the areas of Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana threatened by the record flooding. Shelters are opening in some parts of those states.

Tom Elliott, an American Red Cross Disaster Volunteer from Dallas, Texas, was sent to Mississippi last week to help with the deadly tornado outbreak. Little did he know that a week later, his team would not only be responding to that disaster, but that they would be gearing up for one that could be even worse.

“We’re preparing for Vicksburg, MS to crest on the 21st,” said Elliott. “We’re planning to open four large shelters on the western side of the state and two large kitchens. We’re not even wrapped up with the first disaster and now the people of Mississippi have to face a second.”

Across the south, deadly tornadoes destroyed or damaged as many as 13,000 homes in recent weeks. The Red Cross estimates the costs of its responses to the April tornadoes, Texas wildfires, flooding and other disasters since March 31 could reach $31 million—with the response to the Mississippi River flooding expected to drive relief expenses even higher. As of Thursday, May 5, the Red Cross had raised about $16 million for disaster response since March 31.

Thousands of people have been affected by recent disasters. Please consider making a donation today by clicking on www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation. Contributions can also be sent to someone’s local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

The Red Cross has launched 20 separate relief operations over more than half of the United States since March 31. A total of 27 disaster relief experts from Dallas, Texas are currently on assignment in MS, AL, AR, or TN. More are expected to deploy in the days and weeks ahead.

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Prepare for Another Round of Severe Weather Across North Texas

Photo courtesy of NWS/NOAA

Over the last week, it seems every time you turn around there is yet another severe weather alert being issued. Today is no different as Dallas County has been placed under a Tornado Watch until 6:00 p.m. along with other areas in the Metroplex. While you should already have a plan in place for these severe weather dangers that continue to occur, if you don’t have a tornado plan yet the time to procrastinate is over. Take a few moments today to make sure you are ready to move to your safe place if the time comes. Here are some tips to prepare and some items you may need if severe weather threatens your neighborhood.

Know the Difference

Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible in and near the watch area. Review and discuss your emergency plans, and check supplies and your safe room. Be ready to act quickly if a warning is issued or you suspect a tornado is approaching. Acting early helps to save lives!

Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Tornado warnings indicate imminent danger to life and property. Go immediately under ground to a basement, storm cellar or an interior room (closet, hallway or bathroom).

Ways You Can Prepare

The following are procedures you should follow in order to prepare your family for tornadoes:

• Pick a safe place in your home where family members could gather during a tornado, windstorm or major hail storm. The safest place to be is underground, or as low to the ground as possible, and away from all windows. Unfortunately, many residents in the Metroplex do not have basements, therefore an interior hallway or room on the lowest floor is the best choice. Putting as many walls between you and the outside will provide additional protection. Also make sure there are no windows or glass doors in your safe place and keep this place uncluttered.
  
  
• Get out of your mobile home and choose a safe place in a nearby sturdy building. Mobile homes are much more vulnerable to strong winds than site-built structures. If your mobile home park has a designated shelter, make it your family's safe place.
  
  
• If you are in a vehicle, get out immediately. Find a sturdy nearby structure and take shelter. If there is no building nearby, go to a low-lying area until the storm passes. Taking cover under bridges is not recommended.
  
  
• If you are in a high-rise building, pick a place in a hallway in the center of the building. You may not have enough time to go to the lowest floor. Center hallways are often structurally the most reinforced part of a building.
  
  
• Check with your work and your children's schools and day care centers to learn tornado emergency plans. Every building has different safe places. It is important to know where they are and how to get there in an emergency.
  
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit. This kit should be kept near your safe room, whether at home, work or school, and should contain supplies such as bottled water, flashlights with extra batteries, first aid supplies, an AM/FM or NOAA Weather radio and additional important items.
  
  
• Conduct periodic tornado drills so everyone remembers what to do when a tornado is approaching. Practice having everyone in the family go to your designated area in response to a tornado threat. Practicing your plan makes the appropriate response more of a reaction, requiring less thinking time during an actual emergency situation.
  
  
• Discuss tornadoes with your family. Everyone should know what to do in case all family members are not together. Discussing disaster ahead of time helps reduce fear and lets everyone know how to respond during a tornado.
  
  
• Log on to www.redcross.org to download free tips on getting prepared for severe weather.

In the event that severe weather does impact the North Texas area, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter will be ready to respond. Real-time updates for any responses can be found by following @RedCrossDallas on Twitter.

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Firefighter's Receive a Hero's Welcome at a Red Cross Shelter in Texas

In small towns all across West Texas, one group of workers has earned the love and admiration of the townspeople; and that’s the firefighters who work around the clock to save their homes. While there is much sadness and devastation for many families, there is also great joy. In all, some 300 families have lost all they own, but hundreds more homes are still standing because of the courageous men and women in the fire service who risked their own lives to save the homes of strangers.

In Mineral Wells, Texas, local residents gather outside the American Red Cross shelter each night to cheer their heroes as they return from the field.

“The guys send us a text message to let us know they’re on their way home,” said Tina Draper, American Red Cross Shelter Manager. “That’s when the community begins to assemble. When the guys pull up on their trucks, they’re so exhausted and covered in soot, but they perk right up when they see all of the people lined up to cheer them on.”


Inside the shelter, drawings of support from area school kids line the walls and the smell of good southern home cooking wafts through the air.

“We just want to do all we can to help these firefighters through this difficult time,” said Draper. “The Red Cross, all the local churches, the schools, everyone has been working side-by-side to make sure that every family and every firefighter is cared for.”

The Red Cross and the community appear to have made their mark as the firefighters now refer to this shelter as the “Red Cross Ritz”.

Fire crew staying at the Red Cross shelter in Mineral Wells, Texas have been deployed from Southlake, Watauga, Keller, Grapevine, DFW Airport, Euless and Bedford, all in the DFW Metroplex.

Story and video by Anita Foster, American Red Cross, Dallas, Texas

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Celebrating 100 Years of Service by Continuing to Serve

As wildfires continue to rage in Texas and Oklahoma and thousands are picking up the pieces after one of the nation’s worst tornado outbreaks in recent history, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter is providing help and hope, as it has done for the last 100 years. Help us celebrate 100 years of service by donating to help disaster victims recover. Financial donations are needed so that families across the nation can lean on the Red Cross for support.

In Texas alone, nearly 150 Red Cross volunteers are on the ground at wildfires making sure families and firefighters have food and water. In hard-hit Oklahoma and North Carolina, Red Cross teams are providing mobile feeding, clean-up supplies and a lot of mental health support for the grieving. Right here in our area, the Red Cross was needed this week because an apartment fire that displaced 72 residents.

Today, the Dallas Area Chapter turns 100 years old. We’re celebrating by doing what we’ve always done – providing help and hope to victims of disaster. Celebrate with us by making a donation! Click on www.redcross.org, text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to give $10 or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

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The Winds of Change Leave West Texans on Pins and Needles

By Anita Foster, American Red Cross worker assigned to the West Texas Wildfires

Texans are a resilient people, but even they’re reeling from a series of never-ending wildfires that have destroyed more than 150 homes, scorched at least one million acres and claimed the life of a volunteer firefighter in Eastland County. And they know that the fires are not close to being contained—and there’s not a drop of rain in the forecast.

Each day brings with it its own set of challenges. Just yesterday, our team was in a small town near Palo Pinto, Texas. We could see the fire burning on the other side of the hill. We knew it was close. Firefighters and State Troopers patrolled the streets alerting residents that they had one hour to pack up and get out because the fire was coming right at them. The residents were told to take the things that really mattered to them because they wouldn’t likely have a home upon their return.

Imagine being told that you have one hour to pack up your life. What would you take? The women grabbed the wedding albums, baby pictures and important documents while the men caught the pets and secured the property. Cars were loaded down and without panic, everyone left the area.

Most of the folks went to stay with loved ones in neighboring towns, but a few did come to the Red Cross shelter in Graford, Texas. Cots and blankets were set up and ready to go but in an instant, the winds shifted and flames were heading toward Graford too.

Our team faced some precarious moments in Graford as the fire neared. Barely making it out in time, we were able to move our workers and shelter supplies up to a nearby town where a new shelter opened last night in the gymnasium of a junior high school.

As we begin our day this morning, we’re not certain yet if the people who left with one hour’s notice have a home or not because the winds are still blowing in that direction. But we’re hoping that the winds will change again soon, and for the better.

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Large Fire Displaces Families at Boardwalk Apartments

Late Sunday evening, the American Red Cross-Dallas Area Chapter responded to a devastating fire at the Boardwalk Apartments in McKinney, Texas. In total, 20 units were completely destroyed displacing 72 people.

While the Red Cross was actively working to set up a shelter, relief for all came quickly when it became evident one would not be needed. Amazingly, all individuals that lost their homes in the fire found safe places to stay within about one hour.

The Red Cross has provided assistance to all the individuals affected by this fire with essentials such as personal hygiene items, groceries, clothing and shoes.

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