August 2008 Archives

Elizabeth (August 26, 2008)  Two fires this week in Elizabeth required the services of the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team.

Thursday August 21, a restaurant fire sent the Harris family living above scrambling for safety.  Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team Volunteers, Frank D'Amore and Joe Czarnecki responded to the scene and provided emergency housing and financial support to purchase food and clothing.  The cause of the fire is still under investigation and with the help of the Tri-County Red Cross, the Harris family has food, clothing and a place to stay as they move on from this local disaster.

Monday August 25 an apartment fire on Kilsyth Road affected the residence of the Castro family.  Their apartment suffered severe smoke and water damage, preventing their return once the fire was extinguished.  Fortunately, the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team responded and provided the Castro family with the means to purchase new clothing and food while they stay with family.

"It is really rewarding to be in the position to help people when they are most vulnerable - after a disaster," said Santiago Soto, Senior Director of Services for the Tri-County Red Cross. "Both of these families can focus on the recovery because we were there to provide them with the essentials.  It is empowering for everybody affected by the disaster; to move on and regain a sense of control in their life."

Support for disaster victim relief is provided by the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund, and donated by local individuals, organizations and businesses.   The Red Cross receives no financial support from the government for these services, but relies on the kindness of neighbors. You can help ensure our fund is available for future disasters by donating online at www.tricountyredcross.org/donate.html, or by calling Corinna Krauskopf (908) 756-6414 or krauskopfc@usa.redcross.org.

Local residents interesting in volunteering for the Disaster, Blood, Volunteer, Health and Safety or Fundraising committees should contact Victor Webb at (908) 756-6414 or webbv@usa.redcross.org. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross, and assignments can be tailored to fit anyone's interests, availability and ability.

PLAINFIELD (August 20, 2008) A single mother with three children had just been misplaced due to a fire in her apartment.  The call came in at 5:30 PM and South Plainfield Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team Volunteer, Terri Esposito responded.

Plainfield resident Kelly Cooper, and her three daughters ages 15, 12 and 10, were displaced from their apartment when a candle set fire to curtains in her bathroom and spread to the hallway.

The Tri-County Red Cross provided emergency housing and financial support to purchase food as the Cooper Family begins to pick up the pieces from this disaster.

"Terri is always ready to step up and respond to local disasters in our chapter, ensuring every family receives help," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Tri-county Red Cross. "The Cooper family has a place to sleep and food to eat thanks to Terri's dedication and our donor's support."

Support for disaster victim relief is provided by the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund, and donated by local individuals, organizations and businesses.   The Red Cross receives no financial support from the government for these services, but relies on the kindness of neighbors. You can help ensure our fund is available for future disasters by donating online at www.tricountyredcross.org/donate.html, or by calling Corinna Krauskopf (908) 756-6414 or krauskopfc@usa.redcross.org.

Local residents interesting in volunteering for the Disaster, Blood, Volunteer, Health and Safety or Fundraising committees should contact Victor Webb at (908) 756-6414 or webbv@usa.redcross.org. Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross, and assignments can be tailored to fit anyone's interests, availability and ability.

Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team Leader Terri Esposito received a citation for her dedicated volunteer service to Somerset County disaster clients. Presenting the certificate is Somerset County Freeholder Director Peter Palmer.

Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Action Team was called to action on Thursday, July 31, 2008 to help two Plainfield families displaced by a devastating home fire. The Westervelt Avenue home suffered major structural damage and the families lost their residence as well as their personal belongings.    

The Paredes family of five and the other family of three living in the home received financial assistance to purchase food and new clothing.  Both families did not require emergency lodging because they were staying with family and friends.

"Our dedicated Disaster Action Team volunteers were there when these families needed help," said Nathan Rudy, CEO of the Tri-county Red Cross. "We are always looking for concerned citizens interested in being part of the solution when disaster strikes.  Without them, these two families would still be focusing on how to feed themselves instead of recovering and moving on."    

Support for disaster victim relief is provided by the Tri-County Red Cross Disaster Fund, and donated by local individuals, organizations and businesses.   The Red Cross receives no financial support from the government for these services, but relies on the kindness of neighbors. You can help ensure our fund is available for future disasters by donating online at www.tricountyredcross.org/donate.html, or by calling Corinna Krauskopf (908) 756-6414 or krauskopfc@usa.redcross.org.    

Local residents interesting in volunteering for the Disaster, Blood, Volunteer, Health and Safety or Fundraising committees should contact Victor Webb at (908) 756-6414 or webbv@usa.redcross.org .  Volunteers are the lifeblood of the Red Cross, and assignments can be tailored to fit anyone's interests, availability and ability.