RED CROSS RESPONDS TO FLOODING, TORNADOES IN MIDWEST
WASHINGTON, Friday, June 13, 2008 — The American Red Cross anticipates spending millions as it moves forward with relief efforts for the victims of flooding and tornadoes across seven states, an enormous geographic area. From Kansas to West Virginia, the Red Cross is present with vast amounts of clean up supplies, dozens of shelters and tens of thousands of meals.
Already, more than 1,400 Red Cross workers are assisting people in the affected area, and the organization is gearing up to provide additional relief. The current relief operations follow two extremely busy months for the Red Cross, with 27 disaster operations in April and May. These operations will cost the Red Cross millions of dollars and the help of the American public is needed to meet the growing needs.
“Our first priority in flooding is to provide shelter and food for people in the immediate area until the waters recede and recovery can begin,” said Joe Becker, senior vice president, Disaster Services for the American Red Cross. “But the help we give depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public.”
Over the past days, the Red Cross has responded to tornados in Kansas, and floods in Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Indiana and West Virginia. Thousands of people are staying in more than 41 shelters and more than 115,000 meals and snacks have been served. This spring, the American Red Cross responded to more than 30 large scale disasters due to severe weather.
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LOCAL RED CROSS CELEBRATES NEARLY A CENTURY OF SERVICE
Loudoun County Chapter continues nine-decade-long legacy
Leesburg, VA, April 21, 2008 -The Loudoun County American Red Cross (LCARC) this spring celebrates 91 years of existence. The Chapter, which was established in 1917, continues to be a reputable leader in emergency response and preparedness efforts.
Under the leadership of Executive Director Christine Birkenstock, the LCARC responds to roughly 15 disasters yearly and trains thousands of residents by providing various health and safety courses. “It’s remarkable to lead an operation that has such a rich tradition,” says Birkenstock. “Over the years generous staff and volunteers have touched thousands of lives.”
Some of the Loudoun County Red Cross’ most memorable emergency response assignments include:
- “The Great Drought” of 1930 destroys the year’s corn crop, threatening the livelihood of local families. In response, the Chapter opens an office to coordinate aide and welfare.
- During the “Blizzard of 1966,” Loudoun County Red Cross volunteers assist in “Operation Food Lift” which serves over 60 stranded residents.
- In 1975, a TWA Airlines jet crashes at Mt. Weather, VA. The LCARC sets up a disaster information center and opens a shelter.
- The Loudoun County American Red Cross provides aid in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.
NEW DIRECTOR NAMED TO LEAD LOUDOUN COUNTY AMERICAN RED CROSS CHAPTER AMID FINANCIAL CRISIS
Christine Birkenstock has been selected as the Executive Director of the Loudoun County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Ms. Birkenstock assumed the reins of the Chapter on November 1, succeeding Carol Barbe, who had been the Executive Director for six years and who stepped aside in July to fulfill family obligations.
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