St. Louis, Tuesday, July 25, 2006 – As power continues to resume across the St. Louis area, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter is seeing a significant drop in the need for shelter and emergency assistance. Because they are no longer needed, the Red Cross has now closed three of its four emergency shelters:

• OPEN:  Wohl Recreation Center – 1515 N. Kingshighway Blvd. – North St. Louis City
• CLOSED: Marquette Recreation Center – 4025 Minnesota Avenue – South St. Louis City
• CLOSED: Jewish Community Center – 2 Millstone Campus Drive – St. Louis County
• CLOSED: Emge Junior High School – 7401 Westchester Drive – Belleville, IL

Through the sheltering program, the Red Cross has housed 750 people to date. The remaining Red Cross shelter at Wohl Recreation Center will continue to remain open 24/7 until all needs are met. Over 200 Red Cross volunteers have participated in the relief effort, providing emergency assistance for those hardest hit by the disaster. Over 15,300 meals and snacks have been provided so far; hot meals were prepared and provided in partnership with volunteers from the Southern Baptists, Missouri Convention.

In addition to meals provided through the Red Cross shelters, Missouri Red Cross Chapters teamed together to move Red Cross Emergency Response Vehicles and “Heater Meals” into the St. Louis area beginning Saturday, July 22. Joining forces with the National Guard, Red Cross has now completed distribution of 60,000 meals to the most disadvantaged communities; community distribution locations were determined in cooperation with Missouri and Illinois City and County Emergency Management Agencies.

For more information on Red Cross disaster relief services, the public is encouraged to call the St. Louis Area Chapter at 314.516.2700.

About Red Cross Emergency Services:
Red Cross provides immediate assistance with food, clothing, shelter and other needs in the wake of disasters and emergencies. The Red Cross is able to respond 24 hours a day, seven days a week and provide a vast array of programs and services throughout the region due to the dedication of thousands of volunteers that give freely of their time. All Red Cross disaster relief assistance is free , thanks to generous public support.  For more information about volunteer opportunities, emergency services or a variety of other programs provided by the organization, log on to the St. Louis Area Chapter’s website at www.redcrossstl.org. 

About Heater Meals:
“Heater Meals” are a Red Cross staple and are pre-positioned across the country for immediate distribution in times of emergency. Heater Meals are self-heating meals that do not require refrigeration or freezing; they include a patented food heater system that is activated by water (non-flammable) to produce heat and steam, providing a hot meal anytime, anyplace. A sample heater meal includes an entrée (green pepper steak with rice or chicken and noodles), plus side items including juice, applesauce, nuts, raisins, breadsticks and cookies.

About the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter:
Founded in 1917, the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter provides emergency and preparedness assistance more than 407,000 times each year. The Red Cross provides a wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. The Chapter, a United Way agency, provides programs and services to St. Louis City, St. Louis County, St. Charles County and Jefferson County in Missouri, as well as Monroe, St. Clair (including Scott Air Force Base) and part of Madison County in Illinois.

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