Red Cross is on the Ground Providing Relief

Red Cross workers assess tornado damage with a resident of the Ogden community in Rock Hill, SC

On Wednesday, November 16, 2011, when most families were sitting down to eat their dinner, a storm roared through York and Chester Counties leaving a path of destruction in its wake.  Unconfirmed reports of at least three possible tornadoes and numerous straight-line winds hit the York County area directly impacting the quiet Ogden community located at Williamson Road and Highway 324 in York County. 

Multiple homes were completely destroyed and numerous others damaged.  There were three confirmed deaths and five on-scene evacuations to local hospitals as a result of this severe storm. 

Disaster workers deliver meals to first responders and residents affected in the Ogden community in Rock Hill, SC.

The Red Cross was an integral partner in the network of community members and organizations that came to the aid of the tornado victims.  We were on the scene within hours to feed first responders and residents affected by this disaster and stayed there until the situation was resolved.  Our volunteers spent an estimated 157 hours supporting first responders, providing individual client assistance, feeding the volunteers of other organizations, distributing comfort items and counseling affected residents.  

In total, 20 Red Cross disaster workers provided over 230 meals and 1,961 snacks and 31 comfort kits and clean up kits to residents affected by the tornado.   

A resident of the Ogden community thanks Red Cross workers for being there for her and her neighbors in their darkest hours.

Please help us provide relief by making a financial donation to American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  We can’t do this without your help.  American Red Cross Disaster Relief not only supports the costs associated with a disaster response, like food and volunteers deployment, but also supports year-round readiness and maintenance costs.  It pays for the vehicle fleet, warehouses, IT systems and volunteer training that must be maintained 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to keep us ready to respond.

As the Red Cross offers comfort and relief to residents, we are grateful to individuals like you who guarantee that we will be there, every step of the way.  Together, we can face the challenges today, and those that lie ahead.

With our mission in mind,

Scott R. Salemme

Regional CEO

American Red Cross, Columbia Region

P.S.  The Red Cross is able to be a comfort in times of need for thousands of people every year.  But we need your help to ensure we will continue to be there for our neighbors in the future.  Please consider a donation today.

Click here for more pictures of this disaster. 

You can help people affected by disasters like tornadoes, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters.  Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.  Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter at 200 Piedmont Blvd Rock Hill, SC 29732 or to the American Red Cross, P. O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.