KALAMAZOO (May 11, 2024) – Nearly 60 American Red Cross disaster workers – 90 percent of whom are volunteers – are supporting its disaster relief operation in the aftermath of the tornadoes that swept through southwest Michigan Tuesday.  

The Red Cross is working closely with local community partners across the impacted areas to evaluate the needs of residents. 

The Red Cross plays a critical role in helping families and communities recover in the weeks and months after a disaster. Here are key highlights about the response effort: 

• Red Cross volunteers continue to perform residential damage assessments in affected communities to better understand what help families may need in the days and weeks ahead. Preliminary damage assessments have been done at nearly 170 dwellings.  
• Red Cross emergency response vehicles are delivering meals to people in the hardest hit areas.  
• Twenty-two residents stayed in a Red Cross shelter overnight on Friday. Since the shelter opened at First Assembly of God, 5550 Oakland Drive, on Tuesday, the Red Cross has provided more than 300 meals. 
• Red Cross volunteers are distributing emergency supplies in hardest hit areas. These supplies consist of tarps, gloves, trash bags, shovels and rakes, and water.  
• People can make a difference in the lives of those affected by disasters big and small. Call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcross.org/Michigan to make a donation to Disaster Relief. Your donation enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters. 

Anyone who was impacted by the tornadoes may call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) for assistance.  

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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