American Red Cross disaster relief volunteers have assisted over 120 residents displaced after a massive fire broke out around 10:30 p.m., June 26th at the Vacation Lodge in Kissimmee.
The Red Cross is currently operating the shelter out of Celebration High School at 1390 Celebration Blvd. and will continue to stay open as long as needed. Those affected by the fire include children as young as one month old, pregnant women, and elderly. Individuals and families were served breakfast and lunch at the shelter and many have met with Red Cross caseworkers. The Red Cross is providing each resident with money for a full first month’s stay at an extended stay hotel as well as money for food and clothes.
While the Vacation Lodge is a motel, the building was actually home to most of the individuals and families staying there.
“My youngest daughter keeps telling everyone she lost everything,” said Patricia Solar through tears. “We had been living in at the Vacation Lodge for three months and it was our home. Now my girls don’t have their toys, clothes and that’s been the hardest part; trying to explain what happened.”
The American Red Cross is giving assistance in the form of a client card that is pre-loaded with funds. Disaster victims can go out and buy the items they need with the cards.
“It has been phenomenal how the community has come together to meet the needs of those affected by this horrific fire,” said Becky Sebren, American Red Cross Emergency Services Director. “Several churches, the Celebration Foundation, the Salvation Army, the Osceola County Animal Control, private individuals and companies have stepped up donating water, towels and even pet food.”
Anyone wanting to help should make a donation to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief by going online to www.midfloridaredcross.org.
If you need assistance, please visit the shelter or contact the Red Cross at 407-894-4141.
For media interested in shelter access, please contact PIO Laureen Martinez at 407-256-4676. Follow the Mid-Florida Region on Twitter @MidFlaRedCross for updates.
Fires continue to be the most frequent disaster in Osceola County, the Mid-Florida Region, and the nation. For tips on fire safety please visit www.midfloridaredcross.org.
Those who want to help the people affected by these disasters, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, can make a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Their gift will enable the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other disaster assistance. To make a donation, people can visit www.midfloridaredcross.org or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
