Disaster Updates

RED CROSS TRANSITIONS CHEROKEE DISASTER ASSISTANCE CENTER
Help Still Available to Those with Tornado Caused Needs

ATLANTA (May 28, 2008) - On tomorrow, May 29, the Red Cross Disaster Assistance Center, operating at the First Baptist Church of Woodstock (11905 Hwy 92, Woodstock GA), will transition its client services to The Shops at Creekside, (5943 Holly Springs Pkwy., Holly Springs, GA). The Red Cross will also close its Aid Station located at Timothy Lutheran Church (556 Arnold Mill Rd., Woodstock, GA). Anyone still in need of help from the Red Cross due to the recent tornado in Cherokee County will be able to meet with a caseworker one-on-one at the Center from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. The number to call for information is 1-866-RCHELPS.

Help Tornado Victims You can help the victims of the tornadoes that have hit Georgia. Just become a part of the FOX 5 Careforce. Stop by any Publix supermarket in the metro Atlanta area. When you're checking out, tell the cashier how much you'd like to donate. That amount will be added to your bill. The money raised will go to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Careforce is a joint effort involving FOX 5, the American Red Cross and Publix supermarkets.

"We look forward to continuing to assist those who still need our help," says La Forice Nealy, job director of the relief operation. “We would like to thank the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, Cherokee County Government, Southern Development Partners, Timothy Lutheran Church and all of our other community partners for their generous donation of service center space.” To date, the Red Cross has provided one-on-one assistance for 70 local families affected by the storms.

The Red Cross responded immediately to the tornadoes and severe weather that hit portions of Cherokee and Fulton Counties on May 20. To date, working with community partners, Georgia-based chapters of the Red Cross have provided emergency services for 70 families, served 3,352 meals and 14,680 snacks, distributed 96 clean-up kits and utilized the services of more than 116 volunteers from around Georgia and across the country to help our neighbors in need.

How To Help

MAKE A DONATION - The best way to help is by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at 
www.atlantaredcross.org or by mailing a check to:

American Red Cross
P.O. Box 101590
Atlanta, GA 30392

All American Red Cross disaster relief is free, a gift from the American People. Led by 1.3 million volunteers across the country, the Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment's notice when help is needed. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can make a secure online credit card donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

Red Cross Disaster Aid Stations Open Friday in Woodstock

ATLANTA - On Friday, May 23, Red Cross outreach teams will staff two Red Cross Disaster Aid Stations which will offer clean-up supplies, water and snacks. Volunteers, including Red Cross caseworkers and health and mental health workers, will be available to offer first aid, emotional support, supplies and resources for recovery. The Aid Stations will be located at:

Timothy Lutheran Church               The Shops at Creekside, Suite # 308
556 Arnold Mill Rd.                           5943 Holly Springs Pkwy.
Woodstock, GA 30188                     Holly Springs, GA 30188

Aid Station Days/ Hours of Operation:
Friday, May 23, (12 noon -7 p.m.)
Saturday, May 24, (10 a.m. – 7 p.m.)
Sunday, May 25, (2 p.m. – 7 p.m.)
Monday, May 26, (10 a.m. - 7 p.m.)

A Red Cross shelter opened Tuesday night at the Cherokee County - South Annex, 7545 N. Main Street, Woodstock, will remain open and on standby status for potential clients. Anyone in Metro Atlanta needing emergency disaster assistance can reach the Red Cross by calling 1-866-RC-HELPS.

Any Atlanta resident whose loved ones elsewhere may be concerned about them following the tornado, are encouraged to register on the Red Cross “Safe and Well” Web site at https://disastersafe.redcross.org/. This site provides reassurance that individuals are “Safe and Well” for family members who have been unable to contact them.

To date, the Red Cross has provided 760 meals and 2,280 snacks to tornado survivors using Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVs). The Red Cross will deploy additional ERVs to storm ravaged parts of Cherokee County over the weekend.

Red Cross Continues Helping Georgia Families Affected by Mother’s Day Tornadoes

On Mother’s Day, May 11, a line of tornadoes swept through Georgia, leaving hundreds of families homeless. Governor Sonny Perdue declared a State of Emergency in 13 counties.

The Red Cross mobilized volunteers, equipment, and supplies to help families devastated by the storms. Caseworkers are meeting one-on-one with families to provide resources to aid in their recovery, and mental health counselors are providing emotional support. The Red Cross projects that 658 families will need financial assistance.

As of May 17, the cost of the relief operation in Georgia is projected to be $497,000.

Red Cross Services to Families in Georgia (through May 22)

	Total
Projected Total Cases	658
Cases opened	371
# of people sheltered	191
Meals served	43,738
Snacks served	34,792
Comfort Kits distributed	548
# of people receiving mental health counseling	677
# of people receiving health services	119
Red Cross volunteers currently assigned to relief effort	203

How To Help

MAKE A DONATION - The best way to help is by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at www.atlantaredcross.org or by mailing a check to:

American Red Cross
P.O. Box 101590
Atlanta, GA 30392

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like these tornadoes, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Call 866-RC Helps, a 24-hour number for emergency disaster assistance

May 21, 2008 – Atlanta
Another round of severe thunderstorms producing hail, lightning and tornadoes hit metro Atlanta Tuesday evening, May 20 and launched a quick Red Cross response, particularly in heavily damaged areas of Cherokee and North Fulton counties.

Seven people found food and refuge overnight in a Red Cross shelter opened at the Cherokee-County South Annex in Woodstock. That number is expected to increase today after affected families have a chance to view their homes in daylight and secure their belongings. Red Cross volunteers also reached out to residents of the Mountain Park community in North Fulton County to ensure people there had shelter for the night.

Red Cross Shelter Location:
Cherokee County - South Annex
7545 N. Main Street
Woodstock, GA 3018

The Georgia Emergency Management Agency (GEMA) estimates that 100 homes in Cherokee County have storm damage. Red Cross damage assessment teams began surveying hard-hit metro areas today to identify residents in need of help. In addition, the Red Cross has set up a mobile command center at the county’s Incident Command Post in Holly Springs. Roving Red Cross Emergency Response vehicles will also visit affected neighborhoods to offer food and resources to families beginning the clean-up process. 

This has been the deadliest tornado season in a decade. Violent storms have left a path of destruction in every state in our region. In March, tornadoes ripped through metro Atlanta and other parts of Georgia, and the Red Cross provided emergency assistance to 391 families. Again on Mother’s Day, a line of tornadoes swept through Georgia, resulting in the declaration of a State of Emergency in 13 counties. The Red Cross is still assisting a projected 658 families

How You Can Help
All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by a caring community. Anyone can help the victims of these tornadoes and thousands of other disasters across the country each year by making a gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, clothing, and other assistance to victims of disaster. To make a secure, credit card donation, visit www.atlantaredcross.org, or call 404-876-3706, option 6. Make checks payable to the American Red Cross and mail to P.O. Box 101590, Atlanta, GA 30392.

RED CROSS CONTINUES SERVICE AT CONSOLIDATED SERVICE CENTER

MACON (May 20, 2008) - The American Red Cross service center at 1200 Riverside Dr.- the corner of Riverside Dr. and College St.- continues to provide aid for individuals affected by the Central Georgia tornadoes.

Those in Bibb County and surrounding areas still needing assistance can visit the center or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-257-7575). The center will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. until further notice.

“The American Red Cross has been very active reaching out to affected areas, and in directing people who have been affected by this disaster to the consolidated service center, as well as keeping a hotline open directly to the Red Cross,” said Bo Stollenwerk, Executive Director of the Central Georgia Chapter. “We look forward to continuing to assist those who still need our help.”

To date, Georgia-based chapters of the American Red Cross have provided emergency services to 262 families, served 37,321 meals, distributed 548 comfort kits, and utilized the services of more than 640 volunteers from around Georgia and across the country.

All American Red Cross disaster relief is free, a gift from the American People. Led by 1.3 million volunteers across the country, the Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment’s notice when help is needed. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can make a secure online credit card donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

American Red Cross Helps Families Affected by Mother’s Day Tornadoes

Updated Friday, May 16, 2 p.m.

Immediately following the tornadoes that swept through Georgia on Sunday, May 11 – Mother’s Day – Red Cross chapters across the state mobilized volunteers, equipment, and supplies to help families devastated by the storms. 

Governor Sonny Perdue has declared a State of Emergency in Bibb, Carroll, Clayton, Crawford, Douglas, Emanuel, Glynn, Jefferson, Jenkins, Johnson, Laurens, McIntosh and Twiggs counties.

The Red Cross mobilized volunteers, equipment and supplies to help families devastated by the storms. Caseworkers are meeting one-on-one to provide resources to aid in their recovery, and mental health counselors are providing emotional support. The Red Cross estimates that 500 families will need financial assistance.

As of May 15, the cost of the operation in Georgia is projected to be $497,000.

PHONE NUMBER FOR RED CROSS ASSISTANCE:  1-800-HELP NOW

Red Cross Services to Families in Georgia (through May 15)

Damage Assessment

We are currently compiling detailed damage assessment reports from all affected counties.
Following a disaster, Red Cross disaster assessment is conducted to verify the extent of damage to clients’ homes and belongings, and to serve as a basis for making decisions on what assistance is needed.  Red Cross damage assessment is limited to occupied residential properties.

How You Can Help

GIVE MONEY – The best way to help is by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund at www.atlantaredcross.org or by mailing a check to:
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American Red Cross
P.O. Box 101590
Atlanta, GA 30392

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like these tornadoes, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent.   If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Red Cross Update for Tuesday, May 14, 2008 ( 4:09 p.m.)

Call 1-866-RC-HELPS for Emergency Disaster Assistance

Atlanta Red Cross Responds to Mother's Day Tornadoes

Following its response to a devastating March 14 tornado, which ripped through portions of downtown Atlanta and surrounding neighborhoods, the Atlanta Red Cross again swung into action, assessing the needs of dozens of families which were impacted by a series of Mother's Day storms.

On Sunday, May 11, the Atlanta Red Cross dispatched several teams of Red Cross Disaster Assessment volunteers to portions of Carroll, Douglas, Fulton and Clayton Counties to provide relief to victims of reported EF0- EF2 tornadoes. A Red Cross command center vehicle was also dispatched Monday, May 12, to provide a headquarters for Red Cross staff and volunteers who were conducting client casework in hard-hit portions of Clayton County.

To date, the metro Atlanta Red Cross has provided emergency assistance to 132 clients. More Red Cross volunteers from our community remain on standby to respond as needed.

The information below shows the current status of the Red Cross relief effort throughout the state of Georgia---

CURRENT SITUATION:

Governor Sonny Perdue has declared a State of Emergency for Bibb, Carroll, Douglas, Laurens, Jefferson, and Johnson Counties.

                Carroll County:

Red Cross damage assessment complete. 15 houses sustained major damage or were destroyed, while 118 houses were affected. 10 cases were opened following disaster outreach. 4 families were housed in hotels. 

Clayton County:

Red Cross damage assessment complete. 53 homes were found to be uninhabitable while, overall, 194 homes were affected. 23 cases were opened following disaster outreach. 11 families were housed in hotels. The Atlanta Red Cross deployed its’ Mobile Command Center to the Incident Command Post.

  Douglas County:

  Red Cross damage assessment complete. Red Cross damage assessment        
  shows 30 homes affected. 2 cases opened. 1 family was housed in a hotel.

Fulton County:

Red Cross damage assessment complete. 1 home sustained minor damage while 12 homes were affected. Disaster action teams completed Red Cross damage assessment on May 11. No disaster cases were opened.

Red Cross damage assessment is still underway. Initial estimates hover around 140 homes which have sustained major damaged or are destroyed, and 700-1,000 homes which have been affected. A Red Cross shelter in the Macon area is currently home to approximately 40 residents and mass care feeding continues for emergency workers and others affected in the area. The local chapter is currently utilizing caseworkers to provide immediate emergency assistance to those affected by the storms. The Atlanta Red Cross has dispatched 16 volunteers and one staff member to assist with relief efforts in the Macon area.

Other:
Red Cross Disaster relief is either underway or has been completed in the following counties:

Emanuel County (Savannah Chapter), Tattnall County (Savannah Chapter), Bulloch County (Bulloch Chapter), Montgomery County (Bulloch Chapter), Toombs County (Bulloch Chapter), Glynn County (Southeast Coastal Georgia Chapter), McIntosh County (Southeast Coastal Georgia Chapter), Brantley County (Southeast Coastal Georgia Chapter).

Red Cross Update for Monday, May 13, 2008 ( 4:06 p.m.)
Call 1-866-RC-HELPS for Emergency Disaster Assistance

Atlanta Red Cross Responds to Round Two of Atlanta Tornadoes

Following its response to a devastating  March 14 tornado, which ripped through portions of downtown Atlanta, the Atlanta Red Cross again swung into action, assessing the needs of dozens of families which were impacted by a series of May 10 storms.

On Sunday, May 11,  the Atlanta Red Cross dispatched several teams of Red Cross Disaster Assessment volunteers to portions of Carroll, Douglas, Fulton and Clayton Counties to provide relief to the tornado victims. A Red Cross command center vehicle was also dispatched Monday, May 12, to provide a  headquarters for Red Cross staff and volunteers who were conducting client casework in hard hit portions of Clayton County. More Red Cross volunteers from our community remain on standby to respond as needed.

The information below shows the current status of the Red Cross effort in Metro Atlanta.

Carroll County
10 cases were opened during disaster outreach.  4 families were housed in hotels.

Clayton County
53 homes were found to be uninhabitable. 23 cases were opened following disaster outreach. 11 families were housed in hotels. The Atlanta Red Cross has deployed its Mobile Command Center to the Incident Command Post. Disaster Assessment Teams are in the field today, May 12, to  complete damage assessment and to continue casework through outreach.  The Atlanta Red Cross will send additional damage assessment teams, caseworkers and casework supervisors as needed. 

Douglas County
Red Cross Disaster Action Teams in field today, May 12, to  complete damage assessment.  2 cases opened.  1 family was housed in a local hotel.

Anyone in Metro Atlanta needing emergency disaster assistance can reach the Red Cross by calling 1-866-RC-HELPS. Any Atlanta resident whose loved ones elsewhere may be concerned about them following the tornado, are encouraged to register on the Red Cross "Safe and Well" Web site at https://disastersafe.redcross.org/. This site provides reassurance that individuals are “Safe and Well” for family members who have been unable to contact them. 

Red Cross Services to Families in Georgia (through April 10)

	Total
Families provided one-on-one assistance*	391
Shelter registrations	310
Comfort kits distributed	310
Clean-up kits distributed	250
Meals served	5,514
Snacks served	17,265
Mental Health contacts	554
Health Services contacts	482
Red Cross workers	328

RED CROSS TRANSITIONS ATLANTA
TORNADO ASSISTANCE CENTER
Help still available

ATLANTA (April 3, 2008) - The American Red Cross Tornado Disaster Assistance Center operating at Beulah Baptist Church in Vine City will transition its client services to the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter beginning Monday, April 7.

Anyone still in need of help from the Red Cross as a result of the recent tornado will be able to meet with a caseworker by appointment at the chapter's headquarters, which is located at 1955 Monroe Dr. NE, Atlanta. The number to call to schedule an appointment is 404-870-4440.

Meanwhile, the Red Cross Disaster Assistance Center at Beulah Baptist Church, 170 Griffin St. NW, Atlanta, remains open for walk-ins today (Thursday) from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and again on Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Red Cross offices are closed Saturday and Sunday.)

"We look forward to continuing to assist those who still need our help," says Marilyn Self, transition director of the relief operation. To date, the Red Cross has provided one-on-one assistance for 298 local families affected by the storms.

The American Red Cross responded immediately to the tornadoes and severe weather that hit statewide on March 14-15, resulting in federal disaster declarations for seven Georgia counties. To date, working with community partners, Georgia-based chapters of the Red Cross have provided emergency services for 388 families, served 5,514 meals, distributed 250 clean-up kits, and utilized the services of more than 300 volunteers from around Georgia and across the country to help our neighbors in need.

All American Red Cross disaster relief is free, a gift from the American People. Led by 1.3 million volunteers across the country, the Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment’s notice when help is needed. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can make a secure online credit card donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

March 31, 2008

DISASTER ASSISTANCE CENTER

• Beulah Baptist Church, 170 Griffin St., in Vine City area.
  Open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily (closed Sunday)
  

PHONE NUMBER FOR RED CROSS ASSISTANCE:
Anyone in metro Atlanta in need of assistance following the storms should call 404-870-4440.

Red Cross Services to Families in Georgia (through March 30)

Click here

ATLANTA RED CROSS TRANSITIONS LANG CARSON SERVICE CENTER
Red Cross help still available at Beulah Baptist Church

ATLANTA (March 26, 2008) - The American Red Cross service center at Lang Carson Recreation Center will transfer tomorrow, March 27, to Beulah Baptist Church to continue to provide aid for individuals affected by the Georgia tornadoes.

Those in Metropolitan Atlanta still needing assistance can visit Beulah Baptist Church at 170 Griffin Street in the Vine City area, or call (404) 870-4440. The center at Beulah Baptist Church will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Sunday, until further notice.

Consolidating client services at Beulah Baptist Church will provide clients the opportunity to seek assistance in a location convenient to our federal partners at the disaster recovery center in the gymnasium at nearby Morris Brown College.

“The American Red Cross Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter has been very active reaching out to affected areas, and in directing people who have been affected by this disaster to the two main service centers, as well as keeping a hotline open directly to the chapter,” said Pat Goodale, Job Director. “We look forward to continuing to assist those who still need our help.”

To date, Georgia-based chapters of the American Red Cross have provided emergency services to 335 families, served 5,267 meals, distributed 250 clean-up kits, and utilized the services of more than 300 volunteers from around Georgia and across the country.

All American Red Cross disaster relief is free, a gift from the American People. Led by 1.3 million volunteers across the country, the Red Cross is ready to respond at a moment’s notice when help is needed. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions may be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. Internet users can make a secure online credit card donation by visiting www.redcross.org.

March 25, 2008

Helping Families in Need

The Burke Family

Nicholas and Karen Burke, with their children ages 8, 5, 3 and 1,  turned to the Red Cross for help.

"Nick, don't look at your car," are the first words Nicholas Burke recalls his wife Kerrin saying when she pulled herself to their bedroom window after the tornado passed over. But Burke's new car, now crushed by a tree, was just the tip of the disaster iceberg for this family of six. Their home at the Azalea Garden Apartments in Atlanta was heavily damaged and unsafe, and most of their personal belongings were destroyed.  

The Burkes found refuge and hot meals in the Red Cross shelter opened last week at the Central Park Recreation Center. They also met one-on-one with Red Cross caseworkers, who provided emergency referrals and resources for food clothing and housing assistance. 

 "You guys are angels," says a grateful Burke. "When people need help, the Red Cross is there."


The Moraguez-Dixon Family

Maria Moraguez and Mario Dixon get help from Red Cross caseworker Tony Hardin.

Cabbagetown resident Maria Moraguez, a hairdresser and mother of two, was home alone when the tornado hit. She grabbed a flashlight and her cell phone and keys when the windows of her second floor loft bowed inward. Then the lights went out. Moving toward the door, Moraguez found she couldn't open it against the air pressure in the room. It was the sound of a train roaring in the outside hallway that sent her crawling for the bathroom. Water poured down on her from the floor above.   

"I've never been that scared in my life," says Moraguez, who managed to escape from the building and dodge debris in the pitch dark to find her car and partner, a valet, who was working half a mile away. Mario Dixon rode out what he thought was just a heavy rainstorm, in his car, and couldn't believe what Moraguez was telling him - their home and the entire building they lived in had been destroyed by a tornado.

"This is amazing to me," said Moraguez, glancing around the Red Cross Disaster Assistance Center at Beulah Baptist Church in Vine City. "I had no idea how many people came together to offer Red Cross services. These Red Cross volunteers are amazing people."

The couple met one-on-one with Red Cross caseworker Tony Hardin, who helped them with food, clothing, housing assistance, bedding and other household necessities.  

I'm so overwhelmed I don't know what I need to do next, and he's thinking of things I haven't even thought of," smiled a grateful Moraguez.

DISASTER ASSISTANCE CENTERS REMAIN OPEN IN METRO ATLANTA:

• Lang Carson Recreation Center,
  100 Flat Shoals Ave., in Reynoldstown area.
  
• Beulah Baptist Church,
  170 Griffin St., in Vine City area.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily

PHONE NUMBER FOR RED CROSS ASSISTANCE:
Anyone in metro Atlanta in need of assistance following the storms
should call 404-870-4440.

Atlanta residents whose loved ones may be concerned about them following the tornado, are encouraged to register on our "Safe and Well" Web site, https://disastersafe.redcross.org.  The site provides reassurance that individuals are "Safe and Well" for family members unable to reach them.

Red Cross Services to Families in Georgia (through March 24)

Neighbors Helping Neighbors with Tornado Clean up Saturday will get Support from Red Cross Aid Stations

Special Thanks to our Corporate Partners for their Support

March 21, 2008 - The Red Cross will operate two Disaster Emergency Aid Stations to support recovery efforts in Cabbagetown and Vine City on Saturday, March 22. The Aid Stations will offer water and snacks to community volunteers and affected families working together on clean up and repairs in tornado-stricken neighborhoods.

Volunteers including Red Cross caseworkers and health and mental health workers will be available to offer first aid, emotional support, supplies and resources for recovery. Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles (ERVS) at both locations may also use the Aid Stations as a home base for mobile outreach to families in affected neighborhoods.

The Red Cross relief operation is supported by volunteers from metro Atlanta, other parts of Georgia and neighboring states that are donating their holiday weekend to help our community.

Immediately following the tornadoes that swept through Georgia on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15, Red Cross chapters in metro Atlanta and across Georgia mobilized volunteers, equipment, and supplies to help families devastated by the storms. We’re committed to helping families in our communities for as long as emergency relief is needed.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Georgia tornadoes, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation.

To Make a Donation for Red Cross Disaster Relief call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.atlantaredcross.org

Red Cross Closes Shelter; Continues Services at Two Disaster Assistance Centers

March 20, 2008.... With a dwindling need for emergency shelter after last week's tornado in metro Atlanta, the Red Cross has closed its last remaining shelter at the Central Park Recreation Center, 400 Merritts Ave. NE, Atlanta, as of 5:00 pm today.

The Red Cross continues to help metro residents affected by the storms at two Disaster Assistance Centers in Atlanta. The Centers are open daily from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., with the exception of Easter Sunday. They are located at:

Beulah Baptist Church, 170 Griffin Street NW, Atlanta

Lang Carson Recreation Center, 100 Flat Shoals Ave. SE, Atlanta

Individuals and families can meet one-on-one with Red Cross case workers and get emergency assistance for their disaster-caused needs, among them health services and emotional support.

Anyone who needs emergency help as a result of last week's severe weather is urged to call the Red Cross at 404-870-4440.

Red Cross Adds Disaster Assistance Center

March 19, 2008 - The American Red Cross has opened an additional Disaster Assistance Center to help families affected by last weekend’s tornado and severe weather.

The new Center is in the Reynoldstown area of Atlanta and is located at:

Lang Carson Recreation Center
100 Flat Shoals Ave. SE
Atlanta, Georgia 30316

The Red Cross also has a Disaster Assistance Center in the Vine City area at:

Beulah Baptist Church
170 Griffin Street NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30314