Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
LAS VEGAS (Aug. 9, 2023) — The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada is partnering with Klothes 4 Kids to provide new clothes for the children who tragically lost everything in Saturday’s apartment fire. To support these families during this challenging time, Klothes 4 Kids will take them shopping tonight, Wednesday, August 9, at 7 p.m. at Dillard's in the Meadows Mall.
The devastating fire that occurred at the Walker House Apartments, 2700 S. Valley View Blvd., left eight families displaced – including 19 children – and in need of assistance. Recognizing the urgency and importance of ensuring these children have the necessary resources for school, Klothes 4 Kids and the Living Word Church LV are teaming up with the Red Cross to provide aid to the families. The media is invited to attend. Red Cross officials, Klothes 4 Kids representatives and family members will be on hand starting at 6 p.m.
“Tonight's shopping event at Dillard's in the Meadows Mall will allow the families to pick out new clothes for their children, helping restore their sense of normalcy and dignity after such a traumatic event,” said Shon Murray, Director of Klothes 4 Kids, a Las Vegas-based charity. “Through this joint effort, we hope to bring comfort and a renewed sense of self to these children. We believe that every child deserves to feel valued and cared for, especially in the face of such adversity.”
The Red Cross continues to support the displaced families with essential items such as temporary shelter, food, clothing, personal care items, and in some cases, financial support. “We will be working with the families in the weeks and months ahead to connect them with community recourses, like Klothes 4 Kids, to help them recover from this devastating fire,” said Rachel Flanigan, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter.
Frequent home fire calls in Las Vegas
Home fires are one of the most common disasters nationwide, often leaving families devastated and in urgent need of support. Red Cross volunteers have already responded to over 150 home fires this year, helping more than 600 people. "Our trained Disaster Action Team volunteers provide emotional support, access to financial assistance and valuable information during times of crisis to help families begin to recover,” Flanigan said. “By partnering with other charitable organizations, we amplify our efforts and expand our reach to provide comprehensive aid and support to those in need.”
Protect your home from fire. Get free smoke alarms and fire safety education.
To help prevent home fires, residents are encouraged to take advantage of the Red Cross' free smoke alarm installation program and fire safety education. Those interested can visit SoundTheAlarm.org/Nevada to schedule an appointment. During a brief 20-minute home visit, Red Cross volunteers will also provide valuable information on fire prevention, actions to take during a fire and how to create an effective escape plan.
About Klothes 4 Kids
The Las Vegas nonprofit was started in 2017 by then 14-year-old Nijel Murray to provide new clothing and basic necessities to foster kids and other children in need. The inspiration for the nonprofit came when Murray’s family fostered a child, and the 14-year-old was struck by how little this child had and how embarrassed he was by his ill-fitting clothing. Learn more at klothes4kidslv.org.
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 visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.