Pendleton sisters and their families receive Red Cross assistance after fire destroys their home

Two Pendleton sisters and their children are safe and sound after fire destroyed their home Thursday night. And thanks to Red Cross and other community and neighborhood support, they are also taking the first important steps toward recovery.

Volunteers from the Madison County Disaster Action Team provided housing for the families last night and then gave additional assistance for clothing and food this morning. The families will be staying at a special Madison County Fire Rescue House while they find more permanent housing.

The most common disaster in central Indiana is the home fire. These quiet personal tragedies take a toll on hundreds of Hoosier households each year, one family at a time. Last year, the Greater Indianapolis Red Cross helped more than 550 central Indiana families after fires.

The American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year to respond to disasters and other emergencies. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by the voluntary donations of time and money from the American people.

Help people affected by disasters by donating to American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis Local Disaster Response. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to victims of disaster. Contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis, 441 E. 10th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202-3388. Contributions can also be made by calling 317-684-1441. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.indyredcross.org.