Bolivar Fire...3rd Multi-Family Disaster in 30 Days

On January 17th, the coldest day of the year, Red Cross volunteers responded to another multi-family disaster. Fire erupted in a 15-unit apartment building in Bolivar in the early morning hours. At noontime, firefighters were still battling the blaze. Harsh winter conditions hampered firefighting efforts, and made working conditions unbearable. On the scene, Red Cross volunteer Jim Hayter delivered warm drinks, snacks and a noontime meal to exhausted emergency personnel.

Meanwhile, Evelyn Cline, and John and Marie Matchell, Red Cross volunteers in Polk County, opened a temporary shelter for displaced apartment residents at the First Baptist Church. Here, fire victims were able to escape the freezing temperatures, get warm drinks and food, and begin the process of receiving Red Cross disaster assistance.

The apartment building was a total loss. Devastated residents met with caseworkers at a service center located at the First Baptist Church. Vouchers were given to purchase clothing, medications and groceries. Temporary lodging and meals were provided for people with no place else to go. Initially, some fire victims who are Southwest Baptist University students decided to return to on-campus housing, and some students decided to stay there permanently. Other families are being helped with the first month�s rent and basic living items to re-establish their households.

�This is the third multi-family disaster the Red Cross has responded to within the last thirty days,� stated Cheryl Searcy, executive director of the Greater Ozarks Chapter. �I am proud of the dedication and performance of Red Cross volunteers to provide vital life-saving assistance to our neighbors in southwest Missouri.�

On December 17th, Red Cross volunteers from Lawrence County were the first on the scene of deadly tornadoes; and On January 7th, volunteers from Greene County assisted victims of an eight-unit apartment fire in Springfield.

American Red Cross Disaster Relief would not be available without the generous donations of time and money from our neighbors in southwest Missouri. Are you ready to become a Red Cross volunteer? Many opportunities are available. Check us out-Volunteer Now. -We might be just what you�re looking for. Don�t think you have time to spare, but want to help? Your financial contributions ensure that valuable resources are there for volunteers to give life-sustaining disaster relief�when help can�t wait. Learn how you can Donate Now!

Together, we can save a life!