Red Cross needs help from community

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - Disaster can strike anyone at anytime and the American Red Cross is there to help.

"We're mandated by Congress to be a first responder. We're part of the safety net of the community," says Tom Fodor, CEO of the Dayton Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

But the Red Cross doesn't receive any funding from the government, it has to raise money through donations.

Recently, the organization took a big hit when the United Way announced funding cuts starting July 1st.

"We took a year to year cut about 76% or a half a million dollars, so this really strains our ability to help our community prepare and respond to disasters," says Fodor.

And it has already been a busy start to the year.

"In this month alone, we've spent anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 already in direct disaster relief. If you look at the wind storm, these large fires, and even our single-family fires," comments Fodor.

On August 2nd, the Red Cross helped dozens of fire victims who lived at an apartment on East Third Street near Keowee Street.

The organization also provided assistance to those who were left homeless by a fire that destroyed nine apartments last week on South Main Street in Miamisburg.

"The Red Cross gave us a paper and said if we can find an apartment we can afford, they will help us with the first month's rent. So, I mean that's a really good step," explains fire victim Brittany Geiger.

Now, the Red Cross is asking for help from those it serves.

"We're really looking for our community supporters or maybe new supporters to help us overcome this shortfall," says Fodor.

To donate to the Dayton Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, go here.