Red Cross concludes fundraising

The American Red Cross recently announced they have received sufficient funds and pledges to cover the costs of their response to the recent flood disaster in the Wabash Valley.

The massive Red Cross relief operation, the largest in Indiana in 70 years, is expected to cost between $4.5 and $5 million. The Wabash Valley's piece of that cost is expected to be in excess of $480,000.

The Wabash Valley Red Cross has raised over $345,000 for the flood relief efforts.

"We are grateful to our fellow Hoosiers who also gave toward the relief efforts," said Wabash Valley Chapter Executive Director Carol Stevens.

"The support of individuals, corporations and foundations not only represents the care and concern the people of Indiana have for each other, but also the trust they have in the Red Cross to meet the immediate, emergency needs of those affected by disasters," she added.

The Wabash Valley Red Cross serves Clay, Greene, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and Edgar County, Ill.

At the time of this release the organization was gearing up to deploy their emergency response vehicle and two volunteers to the Hattiesburg, Miss. Red Cross staging area before the hurricane Gustav hits along the Gulf of Mexico coast line.

For information about the Wabash Valley Red Cross call 812-232-2393.