RED CROSS AND LOCAL PARTNERS HELP RECOGNIZE HOMETOWN HEROES

MINOT, North Dakota, August 2nd, 2011- On June 22 the rising Mouse River in Minot and surrounding areas caused the evacuation of almost one quarter of the local population.  While more than 10,000 people were evacuated from areas ravaged by the worst flood in history, fewer than 500 people sought refuge in shelters set up by the American Red Cross and other local entities.  With less than 5 percent of the evacuated population in shelters, the remaining evacuees were taken in by residents in unaffected areas, who opened their homes and their hearts to families, friends and strangers.

These individuals are Hometown Heroes, people who offered their homes, lent campers, provided land for campsites and sheltered displaced pets.  These simple acts of kindness saved the day for thousands affected by the floods and demonstrated the humanitarian spirit of the local community.

As a way to say thanks, the Red Cross is teaming up with Ruby Tuesday, KMOT TV, Results Unlimited, The Minot Daily News, the city of Minot and the state of North Dakota to give something back to those Hometown Heroes who so generously gave displaced families a place to stay.  To nominate a Hometown Hero go to www.minotredcross.org, click on the Hometown Heroes logo and fill out the online form.  Nominees will have their names listed in a two-page ad in the Minot Daily News on August 19, and will be recognized at a Hometown Heroes Community Picnic. 

The Hometown Heroes Community Picnic will be held at Minot’s Scandinavian Park on Saturday, August 20 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  This event will host entertainment and activities with food provided by Ruby Tuesday. A recognition ceremony will be held at 1:00 p.m. with presentations by the city of Minot, the state of North Dakota, and the Red Cross. 

Follow us:

www.facebook.com/redcrossndmn | www.twitter.com/redcrossndmn

www.youtube.com/redcrossndmn | www.flickr.com/redcrossndmn

You can help people affected by disasters like floods as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief. Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS. Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.