The Coolidge examiner., 1935-11-15
RED CROSS REPORTS
BUSY YEAR AIDING
DISASTER VICTIMS
Tornadoes, Fires, Hurricanes,
Floods, Epidemics, Make
Record of Year

The American Red Cross assisted
sufferers in more disasters through
out the United States during the
year ending June 80. 1886, than
through any similar period in the
peace-time history Of the organiza.
ton, Admiral Cary T. GraySon,
chairman, revealed recently In com
,nenting on the annual report which
1as just been released.
The 1873 domestic disasters in
which the Red Cross extended aid
during the fiscal year exceeded by IS
per cent the average over the past
few years." Admiral Grayson said
Not only was the period heavy in
the number Of disasters, but the geo
graphical distribution was wide.
with 81 States and S53 counties af.
fected.
Through these disasters and
times Of community distress, the
Red Cross assisted 10000 persons"
the Admiral disclosed.
Spectacular service was rendered
in many disasters because of the
uniqueness Of the problems and the
far-fung points affected. The work
of the National organization COW
cred in the report carries stories Of
the Morro Castle burning; the
trench-mouth epidemic in the beau.
tiful San Luis Valley Of Colorado;
the great fight over wide front IN
the midwest dust bowl against re-
spiratory diseases; floods, hurri-
canes, and tornadoes in many sec.
ions OF the United States.
In addition to the disasters taking
place within the continental limits
IF this country. Admiral Gray1on
pointed ont that work had been
made necessary by disasters in Ha.
waii, Puerto Rico, and the Philip
pines, where 26 disasters were re.
corded in that archipelago. The
American Society also assisted the
Red Cross Of two foreign countries
in caring for victims of foods and
earthquakes.
The variation Of types OF disasters
called for expert council on matters
relating TO health and nutrition as
we'll as epidemic prevention. Last
years work proved the value OF the
structure and administration Of the
Red Cross disaster relief. the Ad'
miral said. the very frequency OF oc
currence and the variety OF types
constituting a severe test Of the or
ganization chartered by Congress TO
handle this type of National relief.
Expenditures OF the Red Cross for
relief Of persons stricken by disas
ters within the continental United
States amounted TO S464,413 IN ad.
dition $3.50 was sent to the Philip.
pines to assist them in three major
relief operations necessitated by ty
phoons, $4,000 sent to victims of the
Indian earthquake. and $4,000 to Po
land for victims OF severe foods. A
number OF smaller foreign emergen
cies called for sums totaling $4,000
The months OF February. March,
April. May and June were heaviest
for tornado disasters. Floods oc
Cured throughout the year Serious
fires calling for Red Gross assistance
took place during July and Dscem.
Der. A devastating explosion took
place in Tennessee during April.
Most OF the hurricanes struck States
along the east coast during the fall
and early winter.
"All OF this assistance TO persons
in distress" Admiral Grayson poiat
ed out. was only possible through
generous contributions made By eiti-
zens In all sections OF the country"
Most OF this support OF the disaster
relief service comes from the annual
Roll Call held each year from Armis-
tice Day TO Thanksgiving Day.