(PHOENIX) May 26, 2010 – Local Red Cross volunteers have closed the shelter set up at Gililland Middle School following an apartment fire near McClintock and Don Carlos Ave. in Tempe yesterday afternoon. There were no overnight stays.

Red Cross responders met with 20 families yesterday whose homes were destroyed in the fire. They provided those families with the means to obtain food, clothing and other essentials such as baby formula. Red Cross nurses also refilled some prescriptions lost in the fire. Additionally, volunteers handed out comfort kits which contain a comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap and deodorant.

In the 20 families the Red Cross assisted, there were 41 adults and 27 children. This morning, two additional families contacted the Red Cross after returning home late last night. Anyone impacted by the Tempe apartment fire that needs Red Cross assistance is encouraged to call 1-800-842-7349.

RED CROSS SHELTER CLOSES

GILILLAND MIDDLE SCHOOL

1025 S. BECK DRIVE TEMPE, AZ

The Grand Canyon Chapter responded to 534 disasters last year. The Red Cross is able to meet the immediate emergency needs of disaster victims because of donations from Arizonans. Anyone who would like to make a donation to help victims of local disasters such as the Tempe apartment fire can 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.