(PHOENIX) July 29, 2010 – Your local Red Cross wants to extend a thank you to Flagstaff businesses and individuals that stepped up to help volunteers assist their neighbors impacted by floods in a variety of ways. The in-kind donations to the Red Cross ranged from snacks, meals and beverages to blankets, towels and rubber boots.

Long-time local business, Olsen’s Grain, filled a need for people who were busy cleaning their homes. When volunteers realized people needed rubber boots, they called the store. Because supply was low, one of the managers drove to Phoenix to pick up 200 pairs and delivered them to the Red Cross shelter. ”Many of our customers were impacted by the floods,” says Kristi Hubbard, store manager. “This is one thing we could do to make a difference.”

One woman even demonstrated a random act of kindness by filling up the gas tank of a Red Cross disaster vehicle. “At first I was a little taken aback,” remembers Jack Ray, Red Cross volunteer. “I quickly realized she just wanted to help her neighbors and I didn’t want to take that away from her.” After the tank was topped off, Jack gave her a big hug!

“We’re grateful to everyone who supported our efforts to help people impacted by floods,” said Geri Wright, Grand Canyon Chief Development Officer. “It’s heartwarming to see how everyone in this community pulled together when it mattered most.”

Red Cross partners The Salvation Army of Flagstaff and Flagstaff Unified School District provided tremendous support. The Salvation Army served meals at the shelter. Also, an agreement with the school district allowed volunteers to move into Cromer Elementary School quickly to provide a safe place for people to stay.

Below are companies and people who made a difference in the Red Cross during the floods:

• Olsen’s Grain – Rubber boots Sam’s Club – Snacks and beverages
• Home Depot – Cleaning supplies
• Walgreens Distribution Center - Beverages Swire
• Coca-Cola - Beverages
• Pita Jungle – Lunch at shelter
• Picazzo’s Organic Italian Restaurant – Lunch at shelter
• Debbie – Fuel for disaster vehicle
• Fry’s Food Stores – Gift card
• Denise - Water
• Joe and Laura Cook – Towels and blankets

To learn more about your local Red Cross, visit www.arizonaredcross.org.

### 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 visitwww.arizonaredcross.org or call 1-800-842-7349. . To give blood, visit www.givelife.org or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.