Katie's Heroes Extended

Due to unexpected (is it ever expected?) bouts of influenza A and the stomach flu in the Wayne House, I have extended Katie's Heroes until April 4. Your donations to the chapter are always welcome, but to have it count toward my campaign donations must be received by then. So...how's the campaign doing???? We are at $320! Still a ways to go, but I am hopeful I can meet my goal of $1000. Every penny helps - and I happily accept any size donation. Thanks so much to those who have supported this campaign!
I know times are tough, and the economy is not donation friendly right now. I must admit I feel a bit like I am back in high school selling raffle tickets for a band trip, but this is a cause that I truly believe in. I have said it before, but no one knows they need the Red Cross until the unthinkable happens, and when it does, we'll be there.
I have a great crew of volunteers who respond to a majority of our fires, but occasionally I get to go out on a case as well. One fire call that I responded to that I will never forget was this past December, the Friday before Christmas. I responded to the call and when I got there the fire department was still on the scene. A mom, dad and daughter lived in the house and were not injured in the blaze. The dad and daughter were checking on the horses, so I met with the mom in my car. For those of you who have seen my car it is not the ideal place to do casework as it is basically my home away from home, full of toys, papers and old Cheerios - but it was warm and provided us a place to chat. I sat with her and watched her house burn down. We saw the firefighters bring out the Christmas presents. I have never seen a burnt I-Pod before, and never hope to see one again. This was an upper-middle class neighborhood. The family had insurance, but the insurance agent said he couldn't get out there until after the holidays. I could tell this family was uncomfortable accepting help, but their money/credit cards etc. were in the house. I made arrangements for the family and their dogs to stay at a hotel and told them we also have assistance to buy food and clothing. The mom said 'we have the clothes we are wearing and don't need anything, you can save the money for someone who may need it more.' I was a bit taken aback and was also holding back tears. I said when you wake up in the morning don't you want clean clothes to put on, you can even use the money to buy clean underwear. Through her tears she laughed and said "underwear! I didn't even think of underwear!"
Through the generous donations of the American public and the communities we serve the Red Cross is able to help families like this every day. Not even home insurance can ensure you have clean underwear the day after a fire.