Red Cross faces funding gap

July 7, 2008

The American Red Cross is seeking contributions to plug the funding hole created by a flood of recent natural disasters.

Since April, the charity has set up 36 operations to respond to major disasters and is estimating a total cost of $30 million.

To date, it has received $13 million in donations and pledges.

The Red Cross' response to the recent disasters, which include the widespread flooding in the Midwest, will be its largest since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast in 2005.

In response to the recent flooding, the Red Cross is providing emergency shelters, food, cleaning supplies and emotional support.

And as families begin moving back into their homes, the agency will connect them with services to ease the transition.

Contributions to the Red Cross can be called in to 1.800.REDCROSS, or can be made through the agency's website.

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