Red Cross says disaster fund is broke
Sep 4, 2008
Treasure Coast Palm–September 3, 2008
By Monique Mattiace
STUART — American Red Cross officials said their national disaster fund is broke, and they’re asking for help to pay for relief activities in the wake of this season’s storms.
Red Cross activities are financed by the National Disaster Relief Fund. That fund is now at a zero, forcing the Red Cross to borrow money in order to help those in need.
“We are ready to go if another storm hits but we still need volunteers and donations,” said Mary R. Sawyer, executive director of Martin County’s Chapter of the Red Cross at a press conference Wednesday.
The Red Cross has to borrow money to help people who went through Hurricane Gustav in Louisiana, Sawyer said.
The Red Cross also set up a donation program called Hurricanes 2008. All donations for the program will go towards helping people who get hit by hurricanes this year no matter where they hit.
The Red Cross also urged the residents to prepare for Hanna, Ike and Josephine in the Atlantic. And state Rep. William Snyder, R-Stuart, said he has more assistance will be forthcoming if a storm hits the Treasure Coast.
“We are prepared to work all levels of government if a storm comes,” he said.
To donate directly to the Martin County Red Cross chapter or to the Hurricane 2008 program please go to www.martinredcross.org