Upstate Red Cross Assisting a Record Number of Disaster Victims

The American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina has responded to 20 incidents in a little over a week’s time. Last night, December 9th, 22 families were plunged into the darkness and cold as their apartment at Asheton Woods burned. Twenty-nine people sought Red Cross assistance in the middle of the night. A shelter is open at Shannon Forest Presbyterian Church on Garlington Road. Three residents stayed overnight. The shelter will remain open until all families are secure in safe and warm lodging. 14 Red Cross volunteers responded to the scene just after midnight and continue to work with the families to help them begin their recovery. Red Cross will remain on the scene throughout the day to meet with families and provide assistance and comfort.

Watch WYFF's video of the apartment fire

The Red Cross continues to assist the victims of 19 other incidents that have occurred over the past week, including two other apartment fires. Over $25,000 in direct assistance to over 80 local disaster victims has been provided.

Please consider making a donation to the Upstate Red Cross to assist people affected by these incidents during the Holiday Season.

Donate to help Upstate residents affected by recent disasters

Through the generous donations of individuals and businesses across the Upstate, the American Red Cross is able to meet the immediate disaster-caused needs of the victims, which include food, clothing, lodging, medications, and bedding. Since July of this year, the American Red Cross of the Upstate has delivered over $130,000 in direct assistance to disaster victims right here at home.

Disasters occur somewhere in the Upstate on the average of twice a day. The best way to help the Red Cross help these disaster victims is through a financial contribution. Please call 271-8222, or visit our website at www.upstateredcross.org to make a gift. Since the American Red Cross is a non-governmental organization, it receives no funding or personnel from the federal government in order to fulfill its mission. It is funded and staffed largely by the generosity of Upstate residents and businesses who donate both time and money.