Feb 17, 2010 – Merced, CA     The American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter responded to 8 families this afternoon.  The families needed assistance with emergency food and clothing and fortunately the families were able to relocated into vacate apartments on site.

Red Cross volunteers assisted at the apartment fire at 1015 Loughborough, in Merced .  The local American Red Cross volunteers responded to these families with financial aid to cover clothes and food.   The financial assistance given to these families is free and only made possible by contributions from the community to our Save A Family Relief Funds.   The Save A Family Relief Funds stay here locally to help families in our community.

The American Red Cross volunteers have responded with emergency assistance to 11 families with in the last week in the city of Merced .

The Central Valley Chapter of the Red Cross responded to 586 fires last year in our community, helping over 3000 individuals.  Since 1917, the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter has provided assistance in time of local and national disasters.   The chapter’s outreach activities are supported 100% by local community donations.  Outreach includes assistance to displaced individuals and families affected by a natural disaster, support military personnel and their families, community health and safety training.

Those interested in supporting the community Save-A- Family campaign can make a tax deduction contribution to the American Red Cross Central Valley Chapter.  These contributions will stay in our community to help our neighbors in a time of need.  American Red Cross disaster assistance is free.  The assistance provided to these families is made possible by local donations to our Save A Family Relief Fund.  Please send your donation to American Red Cross  Central Valley Chapter,

When disaster strikes, your local chapter of American Red Cross is there, whether it is a single-family home fire or a major disaster.  American Red Cross disaster assistance is free.  The American Red Cross is not a government agency and does not receive government funding.  The American Red Cross depends on financial contributions from the local community. To help local disaster victims, please call 455-1000 . Internet users may also make a secure online contribution by visiting www.ARCcentralvalley.org.