While many of us are asleep, families huddle on the street, watching firefighters douse the flames consuming their home. At the same time, local Red Cross volunteers — neighbors from our own community — comfort those families and provide emergency lodging, recovery support and a shoulder to lean on during a very difficult time.

Thanks to donations, this kind of care happens every eight minutes, when Red Cross volunteers help someone affected by a disaster in the U.S. — most often, a home fire. While large disasters often dominate headlines, about 175 times a day, Red Cross volunteers support a family affected by a home fire or other local disaster. These smaller emergencies may not get as much attention, but they cause just as much heartache and need for those affected.

During the holidays, home fire responses spike nearly 20% nationwide due to seasonal risks. In Pennsylvania alone, over 1,700 people typically need assistance after holiday home fires. We’ll be there for them, because of our generous donors and volunteers, who help in so many ways.

Not just after disasters, but also for people needing lifesaving blood, first aid and CPR, and support navigating the challenges of military service. So, if you can, please consider donating this holiday season at redcross.org. Let’s come together again to ensure people have the support and care they need.

Jorge Martinez

Downtown

The writer is executive director of the American Red Cross Southwestern Pennsylvania Chapter.

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