Red Cross needs help to continue helping others displaced by fires

By By EMMA WRIGHT

Story Created: Sep 21, 2009 at 2:53 PM EST

Story Updated: Sep 21, 2009 at 4:19 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Over the past week, several fires in the Mohawk Valley have left people without a place to stay, food to eat, or clothes to wear.

The American Red Cross has stepped in to assist, but now they're asking for help.

Andria Delisle-Heath, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Utica Chapter, says disaster relief funds are low. She says having many fires in the Mohawk Valley is unusual for this time of year.

The Red Cross's fiscal year started on July 1, and already, they've used 30% of the money allocated to disaster relief. Delisle-Heath says fire season hasn't even started yet.

She says running out of money isn't an option. Every Red Cross chapter is responsible for raising money locally. Delisle-Heath says the Utica Red Cross provides fire victims with everything from hotel rooms, food, and clothing; to diapers and mental health counseling.

All the money raised will go directly to helping local victims.

If you want to donate, you can do so by calling 315-733-4666.

Or you can mail a check to: 1415 Genesee Street Utica, NY 13501
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