Red Cross helps millions in 2013

In a year marked by deadly tornadoes, fierce wildfires and destructive floods across the country, the American Red Cross has assisted countless people in 2013 both at home and abroad.

Locally, the Alabama Red Cross responded to more than 2,000 disasters in the region, part of the 146 large disaster relief efforts led by the American Red Cross in 42 states and territories from January to December of 2013.

“This year, the Red Cross continued to serve the people of Alabama through the dedicated work of its staff and volunteers,” said Mark Beddingfield, executive officer for the Alabama Red Cross. “2013 was a busy year and we are so very thankful for everyone who supported our efforts to help those in need.”

The Alabama Red Cross responded to a number of disasters in 2013 including more than 2,000 home fires affecting more than 6,500 residents.

The state’s Red Cross also assisted 500 Alabamians affected by severe weather in April.

Red Cross volunteers provided canteen services and mental health services for emergency workers and victims after several man-made and natural disasters including search and rescue operations in several counties, the hostage standoff near Dale County in January, the Amtrak wreck in Jefferson County in May, the UPS cargo plane crash in Jefferson County in August and the gas explosion and apartment fire in Jefferson County in December.

Nationally, 16,700 workers — many of them volunteers—providing care, comfort and support to Americans in need this year.

Those workers made contact with 89,000 disaster victims to provide mental health support, health services and much needed supplies.

Red Cross provided more than 1.8 million meals and snacks, and also housed 29,000 people in overnight shelters this year.

One million relief items were distributed this year, and nearly $74 million was distributed to 60 nonprofit partners to help people and communities recover from Hurricane Sandy, which struck the northeast coast in late 2012. 

Globally, the American Red Cross assisted an estimated 1.3 million people affected by disasters in 24 countries outside of the U.S. in 2013.

These disasters included storms and floods in the Philippines, Argentina, Bangladesh and Nigeria. 

Red Cross workers continue to respond to the ongoing humanitarian need created by the civil unrest in Syria, as well as needs caused by conflicts in other areas around the world. 

The Red Cross responded to food insecurity issues in Malawi and Zimbabwe and has continued its earthquake recovery work in Haiti, which has been ongoing since 2010. 

Additionally, the Red Cross continued its vital work in reconnecting families separated by conflict and disaster, reconnecting 886 families this year alone.

The work of the American Red Cross is made possible only by donations.

Donations can be made by visiting redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Contributions can also be sent by mail to a local Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross via P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

For more information, visit http://www.redcross.org.