(TEMPE) May 25, 2010 – American Red Cross volunteers are opening a shelter at 7 p.m. for people impacted by an apartment fire near McClintock and Don Carlos in Tempe. The shelter is set up at Gililland Middle School located at 1025 S. Beck Dr. in Tempe.

This shelter offers a safe place to stay. Red Cross volunteers will be there serving meals and water. Also, a Red Cross nurse will be on hand as well as a counselor to offer support.

Earlier today, 10 Red Cross responders stopped what they were doing and headed to the apartment fire to help. Since then, they have been offering hugs and support. The Red Cross is there to help meet the immediate, emergency needs of disaster victims.

RED CROSS SHELTER OPENS

GILILLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL

1025 S. BECK DRIVE TEMPE, AZ

Anyone impacted by the fire who needs assistance is encouraged to call: 1-800-842-7349.

The Grand Canyon chapter responded to 641 disasters during our last fiscal year. We’re able to meet the immediate needs of our neighbors in need through the generous support of Arizonans. If you would like to make a donation to help victims of a local disaster like this one, please call 602-336-6660 or go to www.arizonaredcross.org.

About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is where people in Arizona come together to help each other every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 4.4 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. Red Cross volunteers provide disaster relief to their neighbors affected by disasters, emergency assistance to members of the Armed Forces, preparedness and safety education to families and businesses, and international communications assistance for refugees. The Red Cross is not a government agency; it relies on the generosity of our Arizona neighbors in the forms of time, money, and blood to do its work. To make a financial donation, enroll for a lifesaving skills course, register to volunteer, request disaster assistance or Armed Forces emergency assistance, contact your local American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter by visiting www.arizonaredcross.org or calling (602) 336-6660. To give blood, visit www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.