American Red Cross needs help to keep helping others - abc27 WHTM

American Red Cross needs help to keep helping others

A group of 15 people were displaced Sunday evening in Lancaster Township after a first-floor fire at the River Park Gardens Complex damaged four apartments.

Sarah Figureroa grew up there, losing almost everything but the most important thing - her life. "Everything is kind of replaceable," she said. "Pictures are just pictures at this point."

A bum knee and a few salvaged textbooks are all that's left from her fire experience. Now, it's made a little easier, thanks to the Red Cross, an organization that's been busy with fires this year - 48 to be specific.

So far, more than 220 people needed their help. And now, they need yours.

"Financial contributions are our number-one need right now," said Kathy Smyser of the Red Cross. "But, we also need volunteers."

Whether you can donate time, money, or clothing, the Red Cross will take it.

They said winter is fire season, so rid your home of obvious hazards. Even if you can't prevent, you can surely protect.

"Having insurance will certainly reduce the strain on you if your home has a fire," Smyser said.

This fire cost about $200,000 in damage, and it'll cost thousands more to provide food, clothing, and shelter for the victims.

Either way, it all adds up quickly.

"We really appreciate any contributions that come in through the Fire Hurts campaign to help care for those people...our neighbors really," Smyser said.