Traci and John Sumter show off the T-shirt they received for donating blood at a blood drive in Myrtle Beach (left). Traci is all smiles as she cheerfully donates blood (center). Gregory, John, and Traci Sumter pose for a family portrait (right).
Disaster-trained volunteers with the American Red Cross are helping roughly 25 people after an apartment fire along Signature Drive this morning. At least 12 apartment units were damaged. Over the coming days, the number of people that need help may increase.
Red Cross of South Carolina Disaster team members responded, both in person and virtually, to provide financial assistance for immediate needs like shelter, food, and clothes to the families impacted.
“We’re thinking about the families impacted by this morning’s large fire,” said Amy Brauner, the Executive Director of the Eastern SC Chapter. “The Red Cross of South Carolina remains committed to helping these families recover amid the COVID19 pandemic. This apartment fire is another stark reminder that home fires are the most prevalent disaster in our state, and it’s important that every family practice their fire escape plan and make sure they are testing their smoke alarms.”
In addition to immediate needs, Red Cross team members provide virtual mental and spiritual care assistance to anyone who may need it. The Red Cross will continue to stay in contact with its partners to see if any additional help is needed.
In the midst of Red Cross Month, the Red Cross of South Carolina recognizes the vital importance of our volunteers who make our lifesaving mission possible. Red Cross volunteers respond to an average of six home fires every day in the South Carolina region.
HOW TO HELP THESE FAMILIES: Help these families and others affected by disasters 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. People can donate by visiting redcross.org/donate, calling 1-800-RED-CROSS, or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/SC or @RedCrossSC
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