Red Cross disaster funds lost to fires

Friday, June 6, 2003 | 9:32 a.m.

The American Red Cross of Southern Nevada has depleted its relief funds.

The Moulin Rouge fire cost $12,236 alone, including money used for food, clothing, toiletries, towels, linens, pillows, medical needs and transportation.

After the Moulin Rouge fire on May 28, the Red Cross spent $1,420 to assist a family burned out after a mobile home fire on Wednesday and assisted nine victims from an early morning fire at an apartment complex on East Flamingo Road on Thursday.

The Red Cross disaster relief fund has a current cash balance of $633, Penney Towers, chief executive of the Southern Nevada Chapter, said.

"If you think about the Disaster Relief Fund as a tank of gas, we only have about a 10th of a tank left," Towers said.

"To provide relief to disaster victims in Southern Nevada, we rely on donations from the public," Towers said.

The Red Cross needs $1,000 a day to meet the valley's emergency needs.

"There is no such thing as a small disaster," Sharon Tutrone, Red Cross spokeswoman, said.

A financial contribution may be made by calling the Red Cross at 791-3311 or sending a check to the American Red Cross of Southern Nevada, 3672 N. Rancho Drive, Las Vegas, NV 89130.