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« Felon pleads guilty to gun possession in Pawtucket | Today | Pats flying home from Arizona tonight » February 4, 2008Fires are up, and Red Cross has gone through its budgetPROVIDENCE -- In the last two months local Red Cross volunteers have responded to 60 percent more fires around the state than they did a year ago, prompting ``a very real crisis’’ in the agency’s ability to offer help, said its chief executive officer, John Holt, today. ``We’re only halfway through our fiscal year and we’ve already exceeded the annual budget [of $130,000] we use to provide lodging, food, clothing, shelter and infant supplies,’’ Holt said. The agency held a news conference to appeal to people and businesses go give more to the local Red Cross, which receives no financial support from the national organization. In December and January, the Red Cross responded to 40 fires across the state compared to 25 for the same period a year ago. And last weekend, the first weekend of February, volunteers responded to four more fires. More alarming than the number of fires, said Holt, is the increasing number of people needing assistance. Because of the tough economy and the high cost of heating fuel, more families are living together and trying to save money by using alternative -- and often more dangerous -- forms of heating, said Holt. ``When our disaster action teams arrive at the scene of a home fire, it is not uncommon for them to find 10 or more clients who need assistance,’’ Holt said. Holt said those wishing to make contributions to the Red Cross can write checks to: American Red Cross RI Chapter, 105 Gano St., Providence, RI 02906. -- Journal staff writer Tom Mooney The Red Cross helped 247 people between December and the end of January, said Holt, compared to 133 during the same period a year ago. The United Way of Rhode Island offered today to give the Red Cross another $10,000 above its annual contribution if the agency matched the grant from other donors. Met Life also committed another $5,000 for the cause. ``We need the financial support of the whole community to replenish our disaster assistance fund,’’ said Holt. Providence Fire Chief George Farrell said many of the fires in the city this winter have been caused by space heaters used improperly. People place them too close to combustibles, use them with extension cords rather than plug them directly into outlets, and are even using them to dry their clothes, he said. Posted by Mike McKinney CommentsDave | February 4, 2008 7:34 PM link Lots of dumb people are burning down their houses and it's the Republicans fault. Love that stretch. You deserve the corrupt government you get in this state. Greg | February 5, 2008 7:38 AM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
It's amazing how George W. Bush's America is crumbling before our eyes. The Red Cross is broke. People are freezing and living like they do in the Third World. We are doomed under Bush. He has destroyed our country. Thanks Republicans!