Volunteer Agency Assistance Center Opening to Help Victims of Wildfires

American Red Cross Caseworkers to Meet with Affected Families

FORT WORTH, TX (April 12, 2009) Beginning at 1 p.m. on Monday, Red Cross client caseworkers will meet with affected families in Montague County at a Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster Assistance Center (VOADAC) located at the Montague Volunteer Fire Department, 1000 Grand St., Montague TX 76251. During the client casework process, residents will have time to sit down with Red Cross caseworkers to determine immediate disaster-related needs. Affected residents are encouraged to speak with their caseworker about all disaster-caused needs to see how they can help. Assistance is based on case-by-case individual family’s needs and may vary from one household to another.

The Red Cross will also be offering snacks and drinks during the VOADAC tomorrow, and affected residents will have access to bulk items such as diapers, formula, blankets, comfort kits with hygiene items such as toothbrushes and wash cloths, and more!

A VOADAC will be open on Tuesday, April 14, at 1 p.m. in Jack County. Location will be announced. Affected residents from surrounding counties are encouraged to visit one of these centers. If residents are unable to participate during these times, Red Cross assistance will still be available. The Red Cross will be present in the affected communities until services are no longer needed.

A Red Cross shelter at St. William’s Catholic Church (243 Union St., Montague, TX 76251) remains closed, but will be on stand-by with supplies positioned so the shelter will be able to open quickly if needed.

The respite center at the Montague County Sheriff’s Office/EOC (111 S. Grand, Montague, TX 76251) closed earlier today and Red Cross workers were released.

Residents affected by the wildfires and needing Red Cross assistance or who would like to report damage as a result of the wildfires are encouraged to contact their local Red Cross:

• North Central Texas Chapter (Wichita Falls): (940) 322-8686

• Chisholm Trail Chapter (Fort Worth): (817) 335-9137

Individuals interested in helping victims of disaster can make a donation to the American Red Cross or contact their local chapter to volunteer. To make a donation, contact your local Red Cross, call

1-800 RED CROSS or visit www.redcross.org

The Red Cross response is changing regularly to meet the growing needs of the affected residents. The Red Cross will provide updates as more information becomes available. Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ChisholmTrailRC.

Help people affected by disasters like the North Central Texas wildfires by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for disasters and provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting redcross.org.

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