WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (December 17, 2020) — In a year with back-to-back nationwide disasters, 2020 is a year we won’t forget any time soon. Millions of people across the country have been impacted by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic while at the same time hundreds of thousands of people have been affected by record-setting wildfires in the west and hurricanes along the Gulf Coast.
These disasters during the coronavirus pandemic led to families spending more nights in emergency lodging in 2020 than any other year in the past decade. Altogether, the American Red Cross and partners provided more than 1.3 million overnight stays this year and more than 3.6 million meals and snacks to those affected by disasters.
Families are overwhelmed. Yet through it all, more people are stepping up to help those in need. It’s a true testament to the humanitarian spirit of people in South Florida and our country. This is a time to continue taking care of one another. This holiday season, help people in need by giving your time and generosity.
“This Holiday season we are thankful for our volunteers and donors who stepped in to help neighbors they’ve never met and neighbors in their community," said Josett Valdez, CEO for the South Florida Red Cross. "The Red Cross is always committed to helping prevent and alleviate human suffering. We know we could not do what we do without the support of so many.”
Inspirational volunteers, like South Florida Red Cross volunteer Gaenor Speed, are living examples of the power of giving back. Speed has deployed almost 20 times in the last four years and raised her hand repeatedly this year deploying to Louisiana to help the communities impacted by Hurricane Laura along with a deployment to Oregon to assist residents in the aftermath of the wildfires.
“I love what I’m doing as a Red Cross volunteer,” said Speed. “I’m very proud of all the hard work and dedication shown by my fellow Red Crossers. I could not do this without them.”
The Red Cross Holiday Giving Campaign offers a way to donate gifts that uniquely give back while supporting the organization’s mission:
HOW TO HELP THIS HOLIDAY SEASON The Red Cross asks everyone to help provide relief and comfort by donating at redcross.org/gift. A gift of any size makes a difference. If you’re interested in finding ways to help your community, consider giving your time by volunteering at the Red Cross and helping many families upended by disasters every day. Your time and talent can make a difference. Visit redcross.org/VolunteerToday to become a Red Cross volunteer.
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 and visit us on Facebook and Twitter at @SFLRedCross.
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