Hundreds of Local Workers Helped Thousands Affected by Major and Everyday Disasters at Home and Across the Country

TAMPA, Fla.  January 29, 2021 – When the country faced the greatest number of billion-dollar disasters in a single year – on top of the coronavirus pandemic – the Red Cross was there. Locally, while we were spared the direct impact of a catastrophic event, everyday disasters like home fires, severe storms and tornadoes affected thousands in our area.

On every occasion, near or far, trained and compassionate volunteers were ready to help – in-person following CDC guidelines and virtually – to meet immediate needs like emergency lodging and food, and to provide a caring touch and emotional support.

“Every day, even during a global pandemic, we work to ensure the Red Cross is ready to bring care, comfort and hope to those affected by emergencies, because disasters don’t stop,” said Eric Corliss, CEO, American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands.   

Powered by a network of dedicated volunteers, generous donors and steadfast partners, our Central Florida and USVI teams provided help, when help couldn’t wait. Here is a snapshot of our regional efforts:

• 3,191 local volunteers contributed 131,332 hours of service
  
• 286 local workers accepted 579 total disaster relief assignments (at home and outside our area), both in-person and virtual
• 176 workers supported 37 major disaster relief operations across the country (outside our area), both in-person and virtual
• 1,708 households received emergency aid after local disasters like home fires and tornados
• 1,071 home fire responses included 38 multi-family fires (apartments/condos) across 11 counties
• 2,421 local military families received emergency support 

**Figures represent services for calendar year 2020.

Recipients of Red Cross emergency assistance, like Florida home fire survivor Kayla Senn and her family, will never forget how the Red Cross lifted them up in their darkest moment. "We were in such state of shock and confusion, that it was so amazing for somebody (Red Cross volunteers) to come up and say, I know you're going through something right now and you can't really think straight, but we're here to hold your hand and walk you through it," she explained.

This support is always delivered at no cost to those affected by disaster, and while we are always prepared to respond to disasters, we also work to prevent them. Swift action when an emergency occurs can save a life, so we help families, organizations and corporations become better prepared for crises through free educational presentations. The pandemic transformed how we deliver critical programs previously offered in person, but our work continued. Our Preparedness Team adapted to a virtual format for two of our signature emergency preparedness program -- Be Red Cross Ready for adults and the Pillowcase Project for youth.

• 2,068 adults are better prepared for disasters like home fires and local weather hazards
• 4,405 youth program participants learned preparedness

Virtual programs are offered on a set schedule and by request at redcross.org/FloridaPrepares.

WITH APPRECIATION The generosity of community partners enables the Red Cross to prepare and  respond when disasters strike. With tremendous gratitude, we acknowledge our 2020 Ready 365 Giving Circle members for their annual support: Circle K, Darden Restaurants, Publix, Raymond James, The Spurlino Family Foundation, Bloomin’ Brands, Legoland Florida Resort, New York Yankees, TECO Peoples Gas, TECO Tampa Electric, Tijuana Flatts, Erik Abrahamson (Abrahamson & Uiterwyk), Hilton Grand Vacations, Lockheed Martin, Mosaic, OUC, Space Coast Credit Union, Spectrum, Universal Studios Foundation, Arbitration Forums, Constance D Hunter Charitable Foundation, The Joe and Sarah Galloway Foundation, Margaritaville, Massey Services and Oracle.

The American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands serves 19 Florida counties through five chapters: Florida’s Space Coast (Daytona Beach), Greater Orlando, Mid-Florida (Winter Haven), Southwest Florida (Sarasota) and Tampa Bay; and the Virgin Islands territories of St. Thomas, St. Croix, St. John and Water Island. For more information, please visit redcross.org. Also find us on Facebook and Twitter.

About the American Red Cross: 
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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