On Thursday, October 17, 2024, American Red Cross volunteers gathered at the Empire State Building for a special ceremony to celebrate the lighting of the iconic Empire State Building tower lights red in support of the ongoing response to Hurricanes Helene and Milton across the southeast.
“Tonight, our world-famous tower lights will shine in red in support of the many victims of the recent hurricanes and to thank all the volunteers and generous donors across the country for their lifesaving work,” said Christina Chiu, president of Empire State Realty Trust and member of the American Red Cross Board of Governors.
“Right now, hundreds of Red Cross workers are on the ground across Florida, the Carolinas, Georgia and Tennessee providing food, shelter and a shoulder to lean on. Our work started before either storm made landfall and isn’t close to being done. We’ll be there to support those in need as they recover in the weeks and months to come,” said Desiree Ramos Reiner, External Affairs Officer, American Red Cross in Greater New York. “The Red Cross can’t do this alone. Lighting the Empire State building will help us bring attention to ways people can help: by making a financial donation, an appointment to give blood or platelets, or signing up to become a volunteer.”
“I am excited to light the Empire State Building in honor of the ongoing work of the American Red Cross to help communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton,” said Shirleen Allicot, co-anchor of Eyewitness News This Morning and Eyewitness News Mornings @10. “As broadcasters who report on stories in the tri-state, we often talk about the Red Cross, and how the Red Cross is stepping up to help people no matter the size of the disaster. It is that kind of compassion at the worst time of a person’s life that really showcases our humanity. The Red Cross is like a beacon of hope when it arrives after an emergency. So, without further ado, let’s light this building red to share that beacon.”
RED CROSS RESPONSE TO HURRICANES HELENE AND MILTON
For almost a month, exhausted families across the Southeast have been living with the inconceivable damage left behind after Hurricanes Milton and Helene. As families try to take their next steps, hundreds of American Red Cross responders are with them, providing shelter, meals, relief supplies and a shoulder to lean to make sure no one faces this disaster alone.
Sunday night, more than 1,400 people were still staying in shelters across the affected states. We encourage anyone who needs aid to come to a shelter, you don’t have to stay overnight to get help. In shelters, disaster health volunteers are caring for minor injuries and replacing things like eyeglasses and medications and mental health volunteers are providing comfort to those affected.
Disaster kitchens are up and running, and dozens of Red Cross response vehicles are on the roads delivering hot meals along with water and supplies to people struggling to clean up their homes. With the help of partners, we’ve provided some 2.3 million meals and snacks, and more than 138,000 relief items like cleaning and hygiene supplies for thousands of affected families.
In the mountains of western North Carolina, it’s getting colder as power outages continue and many are choosing to stay close to their destroyed homes. We’re supporting community care centers that provide amenities like showers, laundry, Wi-Fi, meals and water. And distribution sites are open where people can pick up things like camp stoves and fuel, generators, warm clothing and more.
In many areas, Red Crossers are supporting residential damage assessment and preliminary reports so far indicate almost 7,000 homes have been destroyed or received major damage. This critical information will be used to make plans for what support — including financial assistance — people may need.
We can’t do this alone. Disasters this large require a team effort with communities and nonprofits coming together to coordinate recovery services to make sure people have the support they need. The Red Cross is working with dozens of partners — too many to name — across the affected states. A few examples include Children’s Disaster Services, All Hands and Hearts, Hope Worldwide and the NAACP.
To watch a video of the lighting ceremony, visit here
For photos from the event, visit here
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