Alone we can do so little; Together we can do so much. - Helen Keller

Disasters Change Lives. You Can Too.

The past year has been an extremely active one for disasters. The Red Cross responded to widespread tornadoes, including those in middle and West TN, the worst flooding in the Midwest in 15 years, an early wildfire season, and an active hurricane season, and ice storms in New England. The estimated cost for the hurricanes of 2008 alone exceeded $120 million.

By giving to the National Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, you can help the victims of thousands of disasters across the country each year by enabling the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. The Disaster Relief Fund gives people the chance to help anywhere in the nation. Whenever and wherever disaster strikes, the Disaster Relief Fund will ensure that Red Cross help comes quickly.

On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters.

The American Red Cross is an independent, non-profit organization that relies primarily on the generosity of the American people, corporations, and foundations for support. The Red Cross is not a government agency, and receives no regular funding from the federal government. Disaster assistance is always provided free of charge and is made possible through the generosity of the American public.

Similarly, local donations to our Blount County Chapter allow us to meet the basic disaster-related needs of our families, friends and neighbors who experience a local disaster. The most common recurrent disaster situation within our county is residential fires. We've had a busy year so far. By the end of February (2009), we have to date responded to approximately 24 residential fires, offering assistance to more than 55 individuals. This assistance is made possible through the generosity of of community, and those who care enough to give of their time, talent and treasure to help our fellow citizens of Blount County.

We need your help to ensure the Red Cross can continue to help disaster victims. We are calling on everyone to support the Blount County Chapter and/or the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, which allows the Red Cross to provide help whenever and wherever disasters occur.

To make a donation:

By Phone

Call the Blount County Chapter

(865)983-0821

Call
1-800-HELP-NOW
(1-800-435-7669)
English

Call
1-800-257-7575
Spanish

Call
1-800-220-4095
For TDD Operator

If you're calling to make a contribution to your local Red Cross chapter, please mention Local Chapter. To donate for disaster relief, please mention the Disaster Relief Fund. And to call in a donation for international relief, please mention the International Response Fund.

If you wish to make a contribution to other American Red Cross initiatives, the 1-800-HELP-NOW (1-800-435-7669) agent will assist you further. This will ensure that your contribution goes to your choice of funds.

In person or by mail:

Blount County Chapter

American Red Cross

1741 Triangle Park Drive

PO Box 4939

Maryville, TN 37802

American National Red Cross

PO Box 37243

Washington, DC 20013

Online:

Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Types of Donations

We accept cash and checks.

Gifts may be made by credit card.

Gifts of stock are also welcome.

Honorariums and Memorials - A gift to the Red Cross is the perfect way to recognize a special event or person in your life. Birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and job promotions are excellent occasions for an honorarium gift to the Red Cross. A memorial gift to the Red Cross is a special tribute to the life of a treasured friend or loved one.

Planned Gifts - A planned gift to the Blount County Chapter of the American Red Cross helps to secure the future of the services and programs we provide in our community and may further your financial goals.

Call the Blount County Chapter for information on Bequests, Charitable Gift Annuities, and other planned gift instruments.

Or, if you cannot make a monetary contribution, but still wish to help, consider volunteering you time to the Red Cross, click for Volunteer Opportunities.