Red Cross emergency funds running low

GAINESVILLE - Typically, the American Red Cross makes appeals this time of year for blood donations.

Right now, though, the Northeast Georgia Chapter of the Red Cross is finding its emergency assistance fund dwindling because of the large number of house fires in the area.

According to Philip Reed with the American Red Cross, the 13-county area covered by the Northeast Georgia Chapter of the Red Cross experienced 30 fires in the 31 days of December. "And this past weekend, we had eight fires," said Reed.

The Red Cross spent $3,250 assisting residents who were displaced in those eight fires, according to Reed. He said what the Red Cross really needs is cash, so that the agency can customize donations based on what a displaced family needs.