The American Red Cross is proud to announce it received a grant from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. The Chautauqua County Assistance Fund donated $10,000 to support Disaster Relief in 2017. 

“We are so grateful for the support of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation,” said Chuck Marra, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Western New York Chapter. “This generous gift will allow us to provide relief and support to Chautauqua County families who have lost everything to a home fire, flooding, or other disaster in the blink of an eye.” 

In 2016, the Red Cross responded to 38 home fires and other disasters in Chautauqua County, providing immediate emergency assistance to 153 people from 50 families. Red Cross assistance typically includes funding for temporary housing, food, and clothing as needed, and specially-trained Disaster Mental Health volunteers are available to help those affected deal with the emotional aspect of their disaster. Affected families then meet with caseworkers in the following days to work on a long-term recovery plan. 

Speaking for the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, executive director Randy Sweeney said, “The Red Cross plays a vital role in providing expert care and disaster relief to those needing immediate assistance here in Chautauqua County.  The Foundation is pleased to support its on-going emergency efforts, volunteer training, and preventative education measures.  The Red Cross is most certainly a valuable community asset.” 

HOW YOU CAN HELP In 2016, the Red Cross provided over $24,000 in direct financial assistance to Chautauqua County families following disasters and spent over $127,000 in Disaster Cycle Services in that county, including preparedness, response and relief projects. The Red Cross depends on the generous support of the American public to fulfill its crucial mission. Help people affected by disasters like floods, wildfires and countless other crises by making a donation to support Red Cross Disaster Relief. These gifts enable the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Make a donation today by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 gift. 

Photo caption (l-r): Chase Churchill, Red Cross, Chair, Southwestern NY Advisory Board; Malisa Kurtz, Major Gifts Officer; Randy Sweeney, Executive Director, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation; Chuck Marra, Executive Director, Red Cross WNY Chapter; Sherwood Martin, Red Cross Volunteer, Jamestown, NY