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South MS Launches Friend a Fire Family

Nov 1, 2010

On average, in Mississippi, the American Red Cross responds to five home fires every day of the year.  In our response, the Red Cross provides assistance to meet the emergency needs of those affected. The cost to serve a family of four is about $1,200.  In order to best meet the needs of our clients, we have created a grassroots fundraising initiative: Friend a Fire Family!  

This program encourages American Red Cross staff, volunteers and friends to partner with local community, religious and civic organizations to Friend a Fire Family by donating $1,200 to the campaign. Due to our confidentiality policies, donors will support Red Cross efforts in single family disaster response, rather than sponsor a specific family. This is an opportunity to live the spirit of Thanksgiving and the holidays by helping someone right here in your community. The Friend a Fire Family program will run from  November 1 to December 31.

The biggest disaster threat to families across our nation every day isn’t floods, hurricanes or tornadoes; it’s fire. On average, the American Red Cross responds to more than 63,000 fires each year. That’s about 170 responses a day or one every eight minutes. Home fires can strike quickly and without warning, devastating lives and property. But unlike other disasters, most home fires can be prevented. The Red Cross is committed to giving people the information they need to reduce their risk of home fires, and to helping people recover after a fire happens.  At any time of day or night, trained Red Cross volunteers respond to the scene of fires to provide food, shelter, and emotional support to those affected.

If you want to join the Red Cross, Friend a Fire Family campaign, please contact your local Red Cross Office.

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