American Red Cross of RI - News 07-16-2002

SE HABLA ESPANOL
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(401) 831-7700 x108

PRESS CONTACT INFO

ROBIN ERICKSON
Director of Communications

PHONE
(401) 831-7700 x101
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[email protected]

Tuesday, July 16, 2002
Red Cross Responds to Largest Fire of 2002
Rhode Islanders Asked for Donations

The American Red Cross of Rhode Island is providing emergency services for 50 residents of the East Gate apartment complex in East Providence after an early morning fire forced the evacuation of the tenants.

Red Cross disaster volunteers quickly arranged for several residents the replacement of critical medication that was left behind in the early morning evacuation. Several volunteers made trips to local pharmacies to fill prescriptions for those in need. One elderly resident required replacement of oxygen and another needed a cane.

Several residents also required replacement of their shoes which were lost in the fire or left behind when the fire began.

The Red Cross is working with the apartment complex's management company to ensure that all of the victims have been sheltered in a hotel tonight. The Red Cross is also providing meals for the fifty residents.

This is the 83^rd fire the Red Cross has responded to this year. It is the largest number of victims the Red Cross has assisted in 2002.

"We had nearly a dozen Red Cross personnel working hand in hand with the apartment owner to ensure that these victims were cared for," Sarah Bilofsky, Director of Communications, said. "But this is going to be an expensive operation. We are used to helping multiple families at a fire scene --- but providing services for fifty people will cost a lot of money. We hope Rhode Islanders will open their hearts and make a contribution to the American Red Cross of Rhode Island Fire Victims Fund."

Anyone who would like to make a donation to the American Red Cross of Rhode Island Fire Victims Fund to help local families displaced by fire can call 401.831.7700 x101, visit www.riredcross.org or mail a check to 105 Gano Street, Providence, RI 02906.

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American Red Cross of Rhode Island • 105 Gano Street :: PO Box 2496 • Providence, RI 02906
(401) 831-7700 • TOLL FREE 1-800-842-1122

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