MIAMI (August 14, 2018) – Months after Hurricane Irma made landfall, many communities in South Florida are still recovering from its impact. To support them, the American Red Cross is partnering with the Star of the Sea Foundation (SOS) to provide long-term recovery programs to residents of the Florida Keys. SOS Foundation will assist in purchasing and distributing meals – primarily locally sourced fresh produce and proteins – to those still recovering from the effects of Hurricane Irma.
Now that the emergency phase of its response has been completed, the Red Cross is focused on helping people get back on their feet and assisting with lingering community needs. The Red Cross will expand its capacity through partnering with SOS to support mobile and stationary feeding efforts throughout the Keys. This will allow the Red Cross to enhance its services and serve the community better.
SOS Foundation will also serve as the Red Cross’ official in-kind partner, processing the many items donated in case of another major storm.
“The Red Cross is delighted to partner with the Star of the Sea Foundation, an organization that provided vital services in Monroe County during the aftermath of Hurricane Irma last year,” said Emily Borababy, executive director of the Greater Miami & the Keys Chapter. “We are thrilled to work with such a terrific partner to feed Monroe County residents.”
“With this desperately needed food assistance, the American Red Cross continues to help Monroe County recover just as they have since the storm hit in September 2017,” added Tom Callahan, executive director of SOS Foundation.
Recovery from a disaster of this magnitude is truly a team effort. Today, the Red Cross continues to work alongside local and state governments, other non-profit partners, faith-based organizations, area businesses and community-based Long-Term Recovery committees to meet the ongoing needs of Floridians impacted by this devastating storm.
To make a financial donation to your local Red Cross to help people affected by disasters in the United States and around the world, go to redcross.org/donate.
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/southflorida or visit us on Twitter at @SFLRedCross.
About SOS Foundation:
Star of the Sea Foundation (SOS) provides assistance to more Monroe County residents than does any other organization, operating distribution centers and supplying other hunger relief organizations from Key Largo to Key West. For more information, please visit sosmission.org, facebook.com/SOSfoundationkeywest or call 1-800-690-8020.
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