Cambridge, MD – May 19, 2006 – A family of six was helped by Red Cross volunteers after their home was struck by fire in Cambridge on Thursday night, May 16th. The volunteers from the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula provided the family of two adults and four children with temporary lodging, food and clothing. They were also given information on how to begin the process of recovery.

The American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula has provided emergency assistance, free of charge, to 23 families (49 people) in Dorchester county since the beginning of this fiscal year (July 2005), of which 11 families (23 people) were helped since the beginning of this year. This disaster relief usually consists of food, clothing and temporary accommodation and guidelines on disaster recovery, well as referral to other community agencies for help with longer-term needs. Where mental health services are needed, trained Red Cross volunteers are available to help.

Communities on the eastern shore of Maryland counties of Caroline, Cecil, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s and Talbot, and the state of Delaware, can count on the American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula twenty-four hours a day to assist with their disaster-caused needs by calling 1-800-777-6620. Since the American Red Cross is not a government agency and does not receive federal funding, it relies on the generosity of the American people to be able to provide emergency services to those left homeless by fires, floods and other catastrophes. The organization is committed to meeting, and exceeding, donors’ expectations, to spend donated dollars wisely and to demonstrate good stewardship and accountability. Through partnerships with donors, volunteers, emergency and security organizations, government and community agencies, the Red Cross pledges to make the Delmarva Peninsula one of the safest places to live, work and raise our families.