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Last updated 8:51 am CT February 09, 2010.
An Increase in Fires Burns Through Red Cross Funds
Recently as many as four homes have burned in a single day and that has hurt the agency's fire relief fund.
The Red Cross is known for responding to disasters and within the past month, they've helped more than 50 southern Illinoisans affected by fires.
Sandy Webster says this November has been unlike any other.
"We've had so many in just a short period of time" she says.
The Red Cross says they've responded to as many as 14 home fires in eight days where nearly everything was destroyed.
"Sometimes we don't realize what it feels like to not even have a toothbrush" she says.
From a toothbrush to a teddy bear, the Red Cross tries to provide families with basic emergency needs.
"Maybe they need a place to stay, we can put them up in a motel for three nights while they're looking for another place" explains Webster.
But Webster says it's getting more difficult to help as the calls continue to pour in.
"When you give, whether it's $5, it is a gift that saves the day for that one family" she says.
The local Red Cross says another reason they're struggling is the May 8th storm.
The charity used more than $100-thousand during that recovery effort.
If you'd like to help, send a donation to:
Little Egypt Network
665 North Airport Road
Murphysboro, IL 62966
By: Christen Craig
ccraig@wsiltv.com
Now: 1265729695
