Active Weekend for Red Cross in Asbury Park

TINTON FALLS, January 24, 2011 – The Jersey Coast Chapter of the American Red Cross had a busy weekend providing aid to many residents and their families in Asbury Park. The Jersey Coast Chapter responded to three incidents from Friday evening through Sunday evening. About 30 volunteers and staff from the chapter helped shelter and feed those who needed assistance because of a power outage or to those who lost their homes in fires. “The American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter was the first place the city turned to for timely, efficient and compassionate help in coping with these emergencies,” said Tara Kelly, CEO of the Jersey Coast Regional Chapter.

Friday, January 21st was the first of the three incidents. Holly Apartments at 100 Drury Lane in Asbury Park is a 42-unit apartment building containing 97 residents. These individuals and their families had no electricity, heat or gas on one of the coldest nights of the winter so far. The American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter opened a shelter at Asbury Park High School in which 28 people sought assistance from Red Cross. The remaining 69 individuals from the apartment complex found alternative housing with relatives and/or friends. The 28 shelter residents received a warm place to stay, food to eat, blankets to sleep with and the assurance that they would be housed until they would be able to return back to their apartments.

Late Saturday evening, January 22nd Red Cross assisted a family of seven with two adults and five children at 1324 Asbury Avenue and arranged for them to stay at a local hotel and financial assistance for food. Late Sunday evening, January 23rd, a family of five with two adults and three children were given stay at a local hotel and food as well.

All disaster assistance is free, thanks to the generosity of the American public. To donate to your local American Red Cross Jersey Coast Chapter so that we can continue to be there for your community and your neighbors, please visit www.jerseycoast-redcross.org or call (732) 493-9100.