More than 24 hours after the massive Vacation Lodge fire in Kissimmee, American Red Cross disaster relief volunteers and staff continue to assist displaced families and individuals. The number of people served has reached 231. The Red Cross expects that number to grow.
Each family has been provided with a client assistance card pre-loaded with money to buy food, clothes and other necessities lost in the fire as well as funds to cover a month’s stay at an extended stay hotel. The Red Cross also gave the victims food and water at the Celebration High School shelter while it was open yesterday. The shelter closed at 9:00 p.m. Monday night.
The American Red Cross is asking anyone with donations of items to take them to the following organization who are collecting on behalf of the victims:
• Community of Faith Church, 9120 Teacher Lane, Davenport, FL
• Community Presbyterian Church, 511 Celebration Avenue, Celebration, FL
• Celebration Foundation, 851 Celebration Avenue, Celebration, FL
• Rock Church, 5515 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee, FL
The Vacation Lodge fire was one of the biggest fires the American Red Cross Mid-Florida Region has responded to in recent years. Adults, children and pets were affected including expectant mothers and infants as young as just a few months old. Unfortunately, many lost practically everything they own.
Patricia Solar was one of them (pictured with 5-year-old Carla). “I don’t know where I would be today if I hadn’t met with the Red Cross volunteers,” said the mother of two at the shelter yesterday. Solar was one of dozens of people who waited patiently to talk with a Red Cross caseworker. “I lived at the motel for three months and it was our home. Now I can find another place.”
Red Cross nurses also treated individuals with high blood pressure, minor injuries caused by the fire and diabetes. Others just needed someone to talk to. Red Cross mental health volunteers were also on hand to help individuals cope with the tragedy.
Many agencies, non-profit groups, churches and businesses contributed to the disaster relief effort and came to the shelter Monday to deliver food and other items. The Red Cross would like to thank those organizations for their kind assistance.
The Red Cross will continue to offer referrals to clients who need further assistance.
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.
For more information about the fire please contact the Chief Public Relations Officer. You can also follow the Mid-Florida Region on Twitter @MidFlaRedCross for updates.
