Red Cross wraps up busy year

The American Red Cross spent much of 2012 helping people nationwide as hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires affected communities throughout the United States.

Relief efforts were launched in response to 113 large scale disasters in 42 states and territories between Jan. 1 and Dec. 1, the Red Cross said.

“Hurricane Sandy dominated the news coverage, but it wasn’t the only disaster that disrupted lives in 2012,” said Marie Barrientos, executive director of the Winona/Wabasha/Goodhue chapter of the Red Cross. “The number of lives affected by large disasters in the past year is staggering. Devastating hurricanes, flooding and wildfires wiped out entire neighborhoods, but the Red Cross was there to offer people shelter, food and comfort.”

Throughout 2012, the Red Cross opened 907 shelters and provided more than 109,000 overnight stays to people forced out of their homes by disasters in the U.S. More than 29,000 trained disaster workers served 9.9 million meals and snacks and distributed more than 6.8 million relief items.

To support the Red Cross and help those in need, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-733-2767.

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