Utah Red Cross Helps Orem Family of 8

Orem, UTAH (Tuesday, July 21, 2009) The Mountain Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross is helping a family of eight after a house fire today. Chapter Executive Garr Judd said, “We are helping the family with shelter, food, clothing and eye glasses. The home was totally destroyed.” The fire occurred in the 100 block of 350 East in Orem. The family has children ranging in age from 9 to 21. No one was injured and even the dog and guinea pig made it out of the fire safely.

Help individuals affected by disasters like this fire by donating to the American Red Cross Mountain Valley Chapter. Donations can be made by calling 801-373-8580, visiting www.RedCrossUT.org, or by mailing to 865 North Freedom Blvd, Provo 84604. 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.

Red Cross Chapters in Utah respond to up to 200 incidents each year, some of them render multiple families homeless. Nationwide, the American Red Cross’s local chapters help victims of major and minor disasters by offering immediate comfort, which may include food, a warm place to stay, clothing and other life necessities. Volunteers give comfort kits to victims of fire, flood or other disasters. The kits include helpful items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and a toy for children.