American Red Cross steps up to help local families

In times of disaster many families are left with the mess to clean up. That’s something the American Red Cross of Yuma is striving to help with. They’ve helped 27 displaced families just this year, providing shelter and supplies free of charge. Along with helping families get back on their feet they also assisted 420 residents with installing smoke alarms free of charge.

“It’s just an amazing feeling when you see somebody appreciate what you do and then you just show up. There just in shock because there not, one familiar with what we provide and the other thing is what we do for free,” says Disaster Program Specialist Thomas Batson.

Batson says they provide resources for the community such as blood services, safety training and assist service armed forces.

“We have international services. With being this close to the border we provide family link support. So if they need to get messages to their loved ones in other countries,” says Batson.

They also have teamed up with the local fire department during wild fire season giving them water and food.

The American Red Cross is entirely funded by donations. If you would like to volunteer or help you can click here.