Support Red Cross To Help Meet Increasing Demands

Jamie Raichel, Executive Director, Upstate Chapter of the Red Cross of South Carolina

The holidays are a time to come together — not just as family and friends, but also as a community.

With NOAA data showing that 2024 is our country’s second-highest year of billion-dollar disasters — like Hurricane Helene — many people won’t be able to spend the holidays at home. For thousands, this year’s disasters reduced their homes to rubble, leaving them to seek refuge at an emergency shelter, in temporary housing or with loved ones.

But there’s hope, thanks to volunteers and donors whose support through the American Red Cross is helping people to rebuild their lives with aid such as a safe place to stay, food, emotional support and recovery assistance.

The need for this help is growing, amid the increasing frequency and intensity of disasters. Today, we’re responding to twice as many major U.S. disasters as we did a decade ago — all on top of local, everyday crises like home fires that are no less heartbreaking.

Last year alone, the Upstate Chapter of the Red Cross of South Carolina responded to 460 local disasters, including home fires--assisting 1,277 people by distributing more than $370,000 in direct financial assistance following local disasters. The Upstate Chapter made more than 700 homes safer through educational visits and free smoke alarm installs. Additionally, we provided 1,385 case services to military, veterans and their families, and collected 1,865 units of lifesaving blood for patients in need.

With no signs of extreme disasters and everyday emergencies slowing down, people are depending on all of us to be there with support when the next crisis strikes.

We cannot do it alone. Join us by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation. You can also give the gift of lifesaving blood or time helping others.