Generous Donors Meet Fundraising Needs For Angora Wildfire Relief

Red Cross Thanks Supporters and Continues Helping Community

WASHINGTON, Tuesday, July 03, 2007 — Due to the extraordinary generosity of the public, the American Red Cross believes that current financial donations and pledges will be sufficient to cover the estimated costs of its response to the wildfires that have devastated the Lake Tahoe community since June 24, 2007. Donors rushed to meet the needs of those affected by this tragedy, and because of their quick and generous action, the Red Cross was able to meet immediate needs of disaster victims by providing a safe place to stay, warm meals and counseling. A Red Cross Assistance Center remains open to help those who need emergency assistance.

The Red Cross is committed to informing the public when it has raised sufficient funds to cover the costs of a disaster relief effort. The financial donations and pledges received to date will cover the estimated $395,000.00 cost for the Red Cross response to the Angora Wildfire. Accordingly, the Red Cross will no longer initiate fundraising activities for this disaster response. However, since many donations remain in "pledge" form, it is important that supporters fulfill their pledged gifts. The Red Cross asks people who have not yet given to this relief effort to support the ongoing needs of the Lake Tahoe residents by giving to the countless other charities and non-profit organizations that continue to raise funds for wildfire relief and recovery efforts.

"The American Red Cross is extremely grateful for the generous financial support that is enabling us to help out our neighbors in need during this devastating time," said Kathleen Loehr, Interim Senior Vice President of Development at the American Red Cross. "We're also grateful for the generous time from our dedicated volunteer corps. With their help we're able to use these donations efficiently — putting no less than 91 cents of every dollar donated towards direct relief."

Public support for this relief effort enabled nearly 160 Red Cross disaster workers from across the country to be at the disaster site providing more than 8,000 hot meals and snacks, care and comfort to those affected. Red Cross mental health volunteers are providing emotional support from formal counseling to a friendly ear for more than 2,000 families or individuals who endured the fire.

In the coming weeks and months, the Red Cross will work with community partners to identify resources that can aid in the long-term recovery of individuals and families affected by the wildfires. As their needs change and evolve over the next several days and weeks, the Red Cross will continue to help them through this process.

The public's continued support is essential to the Red Cross, which provides lifesaving support in your local community every day. Support of the Disaster Relief Fund is also vital because it enables the Red Cross to respond quickly to other large disasters, like the current flooding in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, whenever and wherever they strike.

Please continue to help your neighbors in need through the American Red Cross by—

• Supporting your local chapter.
• Donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.
• Scheduling an appointment to donate blood by calling 1-800-GIVE-LIFE.
• Volunteering to support the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross through your local chapter.

For more information visit www.redcross.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter.

All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. You can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year, disasters like the Midwest ice storms, by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The American Red Cross honors donor intent. If you wish to designate your donation to a specific disaster please do so at the time of your donation. Call 1-800-REDCROSS or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.