(PHOENIX) July 22, 2010 – When Flagstaff residents evacuated their homes because of rapidly rising water, they turned to their local American Red Cross for help. Because of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, the Red Cross was able to be among the first on the scene with shelter, food and other immediate assistance. Our effective response is a testament to the strength and importance of this fund.

This week’s floods are the second large disaster local Red Cross volunteer have responded to in a month. In June, volunteers opened two shelters following three wildfire evacuations. The shelter set up for the Schultz Fire was open for three days. Evacuees sought a safe refuge at the Red Cross shelter where volunteers offered meals and lots of hugs.

Now, your local Red Cross is turning to the community for help and encouraging Arizonans to make a donation to the Disaster Relief Fund. This Fund enables the Red Cross to provide critical services to those affected by disasters like the recent floods and wildfires. “Any contribution, no matter the amount, will have a great impact on the people we are here to serve,” said Bill Epps, Grand Canyon Chapter Chief Executive Officer.

All Red Cross disaster relief is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money to the Disaster Relief Fund. “Support from Arizonans is critical to our ability to continue helping people in their darkest hours,” added Epps.

To make a donation, Arizonans can visit www.arizonaredcross.org or mail a check to the Red Cross office located at 1750 Railroad Springs Blvd Suite 3, Flagstaff, AZ, 86001. To learn more about the Red Cross response in Flagstaff, visit http://www.arizonaredcross.org

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About the American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter

The American Red Cross Grand Canyon Chapter is where volunteers from across central and northern Arizona come together to help people in need every day. The volunteer-led organization serves more than 5.2 million people in communities across Apache, Coconino, Gila, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pinal, Yavapai and Yuma counties. The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the financial generosity of Arizona neighbors to perform its mission. For more information, please visit http://www.arizonaredcross.orgor call 1-800-842-7349. . To give blood, visit http://www.givelife.orgor call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.