Countywide : Red Cross Is Seeking Assistance for Flood Victims

The Orange County Chapter of the American Red Cross is appealing to the community for assistance in meeting the needs of local flood victims.

The Red Cross will provide victims, on a case-by-case basis, with items such as household furnishings, clothing, prescription medication and temporary housing, spokeswoman Judy Iannaccone said.

Only 10% of the disaster victims in the county have flood insurance, Red Cross officials estimate.

Two service centers are scheduled to open today where victims can meet with Red Cross case workers. The centers are at:

* The United Way of Orange County West Regional Office, 5762 Bolsa Ave., Suite 1, Huntington Beach.

* Clubhouse 4 at Leisure World, 1661 Golden Rain Road, Seal Beach.

Victims can obtain information about flood-related assistance by calling a Red Cross hot line: (714) 835-5381.

This disaster relief operation could cost up to $800,000, Iannaccone said, which will put a strain on Red Cross finances.

“We’re strapped,” she said, noting that a Red Cross holiday fund-raising campaign in the county fell 50% short of the $500,000 goal.

The community can help, she said, by making financial contributions to the Red Cross and by donating used clothing and small household items that will be distributed to flood victims.

Donations can be taken to the Goodwill Industries/Orange County Red Cross collection site at 601 N. Golden Circle Drive in Santa Ana.

Donations will be accepted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Friday.

The Red Cross also has brochures in English and Spanish that provide information on flood preparation and cleanup.

The agency opened a shelter Friday night at Rancho Alamitos High School, 11351 Dale St., Garden Grove, and closed several temporary shelters throughout the county.

A shelter in Clubhouse 3 at Leisure World in Seal Beach will remain open until it is no longer needed.