Earlier this year, Red Cross volunteers and staff set up a shelter overnight for residents displaced by a fire that damaged several units in a Miami Gardens condo. The blaze affected over 25 residents and left them without a place to stay. The Red Cross provided meals, snacks, water, health and mental health services to those impacted and assisted them for a week until they could safely return home.

Among the residents who were displaced was Elva Huerta. Elva recalled the fire starting on the second floor of the building and that law enforcement officers were providing specific instructions to everyone in the building as they evacuated the building using the stairs. She said that when she arrived downstairs, she saw emergency personnel in the lobby, among them were Red Cross disaster responders. During the time Elvia sought refuge in the shelter, she was taken care of by Veronica Block, a Red Cross volunteer. Elva shared that Veronica was a “beautiful person and very attentive.” Elva has previous volunteer experience and said the Red Cross is a “great organization.”

Another building resident, Jim Foody, recalls the night as unexpected and nerve-wracking but said that he assured fellow residents that “the Red Cross will help you when they get here.” Jim describes his experience at the shelter, saying they had a beautiful dinner and that volunteers were “solicitous, friendly and accommodating.”

Thanks to the Disaster Cycle Services staff and volunteers’ quick response, the displaced residents were cared for and supported after this traumatic experience.

This holiday season, give a gift that gives back by supporting the mission of the Red Cross. Charitable donations make great gifts for everyone on your list: family, friends, colleagues and neighbors.

To donate now, visit redcross.org/SFLYearinReview.

Written by Dariana Molina, American Red Cross Public Affairs