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PRESS CONTACT INFO ROBIN ERICKSON Director of Communications PHONE (401) 831-7700 x101 E-MAIL [email protected]

Tuesday, July 2, 2002
Red Cross Responds to Third Fire in 24 Hours
Agency Seeking Financial Donations for Fire Victims

Red Cross disaster volunteers responded to the third fire in 24 hours last night, at 85 River Street in Woonsocket. Three families --- a total of 7 adults and 4 children --- are receiving food, clothing from the Red Cross. All but one victim, who chose to stay with family, are also being sheltered at a nearby hotel.

The Red Cross is currently assisting 30 Rhode Islanders --- including 11 children. Seven families have been displaced since Sunday evening. The Red Cross typically spends $1,000 per family of four that it assists.

"When we have multiple fires involving multiple families in quick succession like this, it really taps our financial resources," Sarah Bilofsky, Director of Communications, explained. "The damage in these fires was extensive --- which means these families require everything we provide: meals, lodging and replacement for their clothing. It quickly becomes a cash flow issue."

Bilofsky says if Rhode Islanders would like to make a contribution to the local Fire Victims Fund, they should know that money stays right in Rhode Island and pays for the services mentioned above.

There are three ways to contribute:

1) Call the Red Cross with your credit card: 401.831.7700 is the number and press "0" for the operator

2) Mail a check to "The American Rd Cross of Rhode Island: Fire Victims Fund" at 105 Gano Street, Providence, RI 02906

3) Visit www.riredcross.org to make a secure on-line contribution

Last night's fire marks the 77^th fire the Red Cross has responded to this year.

In 2001, the American Red Cross of Rhode Island assisted 379 Rhode Island families, who were victims of fires, spending over $200,000.00 in emergency services. All Red Cross assistance is free. The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on private donations to provide emergency assistance to Rhode Islanders in crisis.

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