On Sunday, July 25, fire devastated the Danford Hall Apartments. Tragically, two people lost their lives and eight were transported to the hospital. Forty-two residents of the retirement apartments were left without their homes. The Fire Department, Heartland Paramedics, and Police Department did a heroic job saving lives and caring for residents. Wyatt Park Christian Church immediately opened as a reception center for the residents to receive comfort and care at the scene. 

 

We are grateful for our partners in emergency response. The American Red Cross immediately began helping the residents with their emergency needs.   Residents’ medication, medical equipment, purses and wallets were secured and temporary shelter was obtained for all. Within 18 hours following the disaster, Red Cross volunteers were able to provide financial assistance of clothing, food, medication, eyeglasses and confirm each client temporary housing needs were met. We are working with the residents and apartment management to assess the housing needs for recovery and the need to provide financial assistance for rent and beds/bedding. 

I hope you will consider a generous gift to the Disaster Relief Fund.   Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for disasters and provide shelter, food, medication, eyeglasses, rent assistance, and other emergency needs of victims of disasters.  On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.