Corporate Donors Support American Red Cross Response to Hurricane Dolly

Annual Disaster Giving Program Members Give Generously as Red Cross Requests Additional Donations

WASHINGTON, Friday, July 25, 2008 — Hurricane Dolly made landfall on Wednesday, July 23, pounding Southeastern Texas with torrential rains and 100-mph winds. The hurricane downed trees, caused massive power outages and flooded communities. After slamming South Padre Island, Hurricane Dolly moved inland and generated flood and tornado warnings, and caused 8 to 10 inches of rainfall accumulation and 20 inches in portions of Southeastern Texas.

Sizing up Hurricane Dolly’s potential early on, the Red Cross identified areas where the need for help might be greatest and pre-positioned support including personnel, equipment and supplies. Once it was safe, we moved resources into affected areas in Southeastern Texas, including South Padre, Brownsville and McAllen. Today, Red Cross workers can be found throughout shelters and service centers and kitchens, providing emotional support, food, shelter and information.  

More than 400 Red Cross workers are on the ground - working with a couple of dozen Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs), large-scale kitchens and several shelters, providing much needed comfort to residents of Southeastern Texas. As widespread power outages are taking place and reports of wind and water damage are coming in, Red Cross response efforts are expected to increase in the coming days.

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

“Donations from our Annual Disaster Giving Program members enable the Red Cross to have the funds available to pre-position support before a disaster strikes,” said Jeffrey Towers, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. “These funds, coupled with the support of the American public, are vital for the Red Cross’ ability to provide immediate relief to people affected by disaster. We thank these corporate donors for their leadership.”

Annual Disaster Giving Program members from the business community support the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund and help provide food, shelter, counseling and other assistance to the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like Hurricane Dolly. Log-on to www.redcross.org or call 1-800- HELP NOW to make a donation.

Members of the Annual Disaster Giving Program:

American Express
AT&T
AXA Foundation
ConAgra Foods
FedEx Corporation
JCPenney Company Fund
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Merck & Co, Inc.
MorganStanley
Raytheon Company
State Farm
State Street Corporation
Target
The TJX Companies, Inc.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is f

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