Polk Red Cross helps Frostproof family of five after fire

FROSTPROOF, FL (Nov. 3, 2008) — Red Cross volunteers have helped a family of five in Frostproof after fire damaged their home late at night.

The American Red Cross Polk County Chapter received the call at roughly 10:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 3, and sent volunteers to the scene on Bruce Avenue in Frostproof. They were able to provide the family — four adults and a child — with temporary shelter; comfort kits (personal hygiene kit), emergency assistance for groceries for everyone, emergency assistance for clothing for one person, odor-control concentrated cleaner to help salvage items from the home, a Red Cross clean up kit, and a Mickey Mouse stuffed animal to help comfort the child.

Since July 1, the American Red Cross Polk County Chapter has helped more than 50 families after small local disasters – roughly one family every 2-3 days or at least three families each week. Each local chapter has a Disaster Action Team of volunteers taking turns to go out on disaster calls — usually home fires — at any time of the day or night, to ensure that those who need American Red Cross help can get it as soon as possible.

The American Red Cross provides immediate emergency assistance based on need, thanks to donations from people and businesses in the local community. Please support your local Red Cross.