Red Cross Begins Campaign For Local Disaster Relief

DANBURY — The American Red Cross of Western Connecticut has begun a fundraising campaign for its local Disaster Relief Fund.

The agency’s disaster response team responded to the fire at 288 Main Street on January 9 which displaced 45 individuals. Shelter, food, and clothing were provided. Prior to the Main Street fire, the Western Connecticut chapter had a busy six months, responding to seven fires that affected 55 individuals in Danbury, Bethel, and Ridgefield, and six fires affecting 19 people in New Milford and Washington. The local chapter has exceeded its projected annual disaster funds in the first six months of the fiscal year.

“We need at least $50,000 to restore and rebuild the lives of those who have been affected by these fires,” said Julianne Reppenhagen, chapter manager. “Whenever we have asked our local community people for their financial support – from the explosion to Hurricane Floyd last year – they have generously responded.”

Ms Reppenhagen said the Danbury Sunrise Rotary Club has kicked off the fundraising campaign by donating $1,000. “I’m urging people throughout our communities to replenish our chapter’s local disaster fund, ensuring that we’ll be there when the next disaster strikes,” she said.

The American Red Cross of Western Connecticut serves the communities of Bethel, Brookfield, Bridgewater, Canaan, Danbury, Kent, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Salisbury, Sharon, Sherman, Warren, and Washington. Contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross of Western Connecticut, 2 Terrace Place, Danbury, CT 06810. To make a gift of stock or gift via credit card, call 792-8200.