American Red Cross of Northern New York 203 North Hamilton St.

Watertown, NY 13601 (315) 782-4410

www.redcross.org/nny

Contact: Matt Michael Communications Officer (315) 234-2220 matt.michael@redcross.org

Red Cross To Open Bulk Distribution Site Today in Lowville

Volunteers to Provide Cleaning Supplies, Water, Emotional Support
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (April 21, 2014) The American Red Cross will distribute clean-up kits and water today at a bulk distribution site in Lowville for Lewis County residents whose homes were damaged by the recent flooding in the county. Red Cross volunteers will distribute the clean-up kits and water from 4 to 6 p.m. today at the Lewis County Office of Emergency Management, 5252A Stowe St., Lowville. Clean-up kits include a broom, mop, bleach, bucket, gloves, trash bags and other cleaning supplies that will enable flood victims to clean their homes. Red Cross Mental Health Services volunteers will assess and tend to emotional needs and provide information on coping skills needed during a disaster. Red Cross caseworkers will work with residents to establish long-term plans for recovery. The Red Cross is also working with Jefferson County officials to open a bulk distribution site in Carthage for residents whose homes were damaged by flooding in that area. The Red Cross will announce the details of that bulk distribution site as soon as theyre available. From our experience with disasters, distribution of relief items along with our outreach efforts will speed up the recovery for the residents impacted by the floods, said Jane Gendron, Community Executive of the American Red Cross of Northern New York. We encourage residents who need help to visit the bulk distribution site for cleaning supplies and the emotional support that will get them through this difficult time. Attention Media: Gendron, Red Cross Central New York Region CEO Rosie Taravella, and other Red Cross staff members and volunteers will be available at the bulk distribution site to discuss the Red Cross response to the floods in Lewis and Jefferson counties. -more-

RED CROSS PAGE 2 How To Help As a non-profit organization, the American Red Cross relies on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors to continue its lifesaving work. To make a donation to the local Red Cross to help the flood victims, visit www.redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS, call your local chapter, or send a check to your local chapter. About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org/nny.