Red Cross Serves More Families After Trailer Home Fires
Posted: 6:59 pm MST March 6, 2008Updated: 8:29 pm MST March 6, 2008
DONA ANA, N.M. -- The Red Cross assures the public in its time of uncertainty that it will still be there to help.Two trailer fires in two days gave more reasons for staff at the Red Cross to feel their presence in the community is needed now more than ever.The Dona Ana family used their life savings to pay off the cost of this trailer home on the 5200 block of Seminole Trail.Thursday night, they moved in with their neighbors. They are waiting to hear from their insurance company.Trailer fires have sparked a lot of attention recently, displacing three in this fire, six from the day before, 11 from last Friday, and another 10 two weeks ago. “Unfortunately some of the fires we have had recently have been significant fires, significant damage and significant loss. I think those have caught the attention of a lot of people," said Travis Brown, deputy fire chief of the Las Cruces Fire Department.In the past month, the Red Cross has given more than $12,000 helping those left without their homes. “We will respond no matter what. We will take care of the immediate needs of the family including hotel, food, clothing and bedding as needed,”said Frank Hielscher, Red Cross director of planning and response.Volunteers met Thursday night to find fundraising options and ways keep services local. They're facing the board's possible decision to de-charter.“They are very engaged in this chapter, and we are trying -- together with certain community leaders -- we are trying everything in our power to keep this chapter as a separate chapter,” said Hielscher.The Dona Ana trailer fire was ruled accidental, caused by welding tools in the shop. Many people have heard about Red Cross' troubles and pledged money, but the Red Cross said at this point it is just not enough.
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