FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Janet McGuire
Public Affairs Manager
Cell: (727) 967-8351
janet.mcguire@redcross.org
Skype: janet.mcguire4

Red Cross Brings Assistance to Flood Victims

Relief efforts are taken into the communities where there is a need

Harlingen, TX Thursday, October 29, 2015…The American Red Cross is providing assistance to residents affected by the recent floods by taking food and supplies to families that may not be able to leave their homes. Two Service Centers are currently open along with a shelter for people who have been forced to evacuate their homes.

The Red Cross is opening a Service Center in Mercedes at the Lucero Del Norte Community Church, 5806 Lucero Del Norte St. The center will be open daily from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Residents can get water, clean up supplies such as bleach, mops, buckets and brooms, personal hygiene items, insect repellant and tarps.

A Service Center in San Perlita opened yesterday at 5:30 p.m. Red Cross workers served 350 enchilada dinners provided by Grandma’s Kitchen in Raymondville. The San Perlita Service Center will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served free of charge.

In Santa Monica, word of mouth quickly spread that a Red Cross truck with water, food and supplies was set up in a central location. It didn’t take long before nearly 30 families gathered at the truck to receive supplies including personal hygiene kits for the children that also contained a coloring book and crayons.

A shelter remains open in Weslaco at the First Baptist Church for families that cannot get back in their homes. For updated information, please visit https://redcrosstexasgulfcoast.wordpress.com/

Yet another flood threat may be brewing for parts of Texas this weekend, due to a new storm system. Weather experts say that even if this system moves quickly, flash flooding will remain a threat, mainly due the ground being saturated. Consequently, there is less room for the water to be stored and it will not take as much rainfall to result in more flooding.

Red Cross urges everyone to download the free Emergency App for weather alerts and to let others know you are safe if severe weather occurs. Find Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.

Anyone affected by the flooding can call 1-866-526-8300.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross, a United Way agency, shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @HoustonRedCross

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