News : American Red Cross Opens Shelter in Vinton

Financial Assistance Offered to Individuals with Immediate Disaster-Caused Needs.

The American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter in Vinton, IA to assist those affected by the early morning storm on Sunday, July 17, 2016. Currently, 15 people have registered at the shelter. Red Cross workers are providing warm meals, a safe place to sleep and emotional support. Starting at 9 a.m. Monday, at the shelter, Red Cross workers will meet with individuals and provide financial assistance to those with immediate disaster-caused needs.

As of 5 p.m., today, the following Red Cross shelter is open:

Benton County

 Vinton-Shellsburg Community High School – 210 W 21st Street. Vinton, IA

“Our thoughts are with all those impacted by the powerful storm that impacted Walford and Vinton on

Sunday morning,” said Pami Erickson, Executive Director of the South and Eastern Iowa office for the American Red Cross. “Red Cross disaster teams are helping now and will continue to help for weeks to come.”

Anyone evacuating to a Red Cross shelter should bring essential items for each member of the family:

 Prescriptions and emergency medications

 Foods that meet unusual dietary requirements

 Identification to show residence is in affected area and important personal documents

 Extra clothing, pillows, blankets, hygiene supplies and other comfort items

 Supplies needed for children and infants, such as diapers, formula and toys

 Special items for family members who are elderly or disabled

 Chargers for any electronic devices you bring with you

 Books, games and other ways to entertain your family and yourself

 Note – Public health regulations do not permit pets in shelters; service animals are permitted.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

All Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

Help people affected by disasters by making a gift to American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from disasters big and small. Visit redcross.org/donate, or call 1-800-REDCROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local Red Cross chapter, or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on

Twitter at @RedCross.