KALAMAZOO (March 11, 2026) – The American Red Cross continues to meet the needs of residents impacted by Friday’s tornadoes in Southwest Michigan. Here are the latest updates about its disaster relief effort:
- More than 50 Red Cross volunteers and staff are supporting the operation and working closely with local community partners across the impacted areas.
- Red Cross volunteers have performed preliminary residential damage assessments of more than 270 dwellings in affected communities, of which 68 were destroyed or suffered major damage. This work will enable the Red Cross to better understand what assistance residents may need in the days and weeks ahead.
- Red Cross volunteers have distributed 118 relief items including comfort kits, tarps, trash bags, shovels, heavy-duty gloves and rakes in impacted communities. With the help of partners, more than 400 meals and snacks have been provided.
- The Red Cross will participate in Multi-Agency Resource Center events on Friday, March 20, and Saturday, March 21. These events will provide helpful information and community resources for residents affected by the tornadoes.
- The Red Cross plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster.
- Help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, floods and countless other crises by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcross.org/Michigan.
- All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, thanks to the generosity of donors and volunteers.
Residents who were impacted by the storms and need help can contact 1-800-RED CROSS (733-2767).
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MEDIA CONTACT: David Olejarz / david.olejarz@redcross.org / 313-303-0606
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.