Oregon Trail Chapter Lastest News

PORTLAND, Ore. – December 22, 2004 – Although American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter volunteers respond year round to residential fires, about every 32 hours on average, it seems particularly difficult when families lose their homes so close to the holidays.

Many Oregonians generously donated money and time to help families recover from an unprecedented hurricane season. Now, all attention at the Oregon Trail Chapter is focused on supporting local families who lose everything from residential fires. Although hurricanes and other disasters receive more media attention, nothing is more swift and devastating than a fire in the home. Volunteers and charitable contributions are needed to continue these critical Red Cross services?every day and night.

On Sunday, December 19 at 3:15 a.m., a fire destroyed a boat house off of Cowens Road in Scappoose. Three Red Cross volunteers from Columbia County helped determine the residents’ immediate needs and distributed Red Cross debit cards that provided financial assistance for lodging and food.

That same night, a family barely escaped with their lives, as a fire destroyed apartments in Beaverton. 13-year old Amanda Hopkins woke around 2:45 a.m. Sunday morning to get a glass of water from her kitchen. To her surprise, she found their balcony on fire and rushed to her parents’ bedroom. The smoke alarm had not sounded since the fire was outside. As they got dressed and were getting ready to leave, their sliding glass door violently exploded and their home erupted in flames.

As they were making their way down the stairs, Amanda’s 86-year old grandmother could not see through the smoke. Her son in-law quickly picked her up and carried her down the stairs. Moments later, the staircase was engulfed in flames and collapsed. The Hopkins family realized that Amanda’s response gave them precious seconds to safely escape. Barefoot and in pajamas, the family sat in their truck with their dog Sierra and watched in disbelief as their home burned.

Red Cross volunteers arrived on the scene to provide immediate cash assistance for a place to stay, clothing, meals and a mobile phone. On Monday, the Hopkins family visited the Red Cross in Portland and received more financial assistance for additional nights in motel, linens and other basic needs. In total, seven adults and two children who had been living at the apartment complex were assisted by the Red Cross.

On Wednesday, December 22 at 9:30 a.m., four Red Cross volunteers assisted three Lake Oswego residents who lost their home to fire. The volunteers walked them through their recovery process and provided Red Cross debit cards for lodging, meals and clothing.

The assistance is offered at no charge to Red Cross disaster clients, who are served thanks to the generosity of Oregonians supporting the American Red Cross Oregon Trail Chapter. Please consider volunteering or making a donation this holiday season.

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2004 Archives

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American Red Cross, Oregon Trail volunteers respond to house fires every 32 hours on average.
To assist the Red Cross in providing disaster relief, please call (503) 528-5634.
To prepare yourself and your family for fire or other disasters, go to www.PrepareOregon.org