General Misconceptions

American Red Cross  

“Donations sent to the Red Cross for the Parkersburg tornadoes are being thrown into a pot and used anywhere in the country.  The funds are not staying local.”

We honor donor intent.  It’s as simple as that. When donors ask us to use their funds for Iowa tornado relief, we honor that request.  All donations intended to support Iowa tornado victims will be used in Iowa.

“The Red Cross keeps changing how much money they say this will cost.  Why?”

Originally, the Red Cross estimated our costs for providing emergency recovery assistance to the Iowa tornado victims to be approximately $255,000. However, as the need for emergency support changed, our cost estimate also changed.  The cost estimate as of Thursday, June 5, was $450,000.  With rain and severe weather continuing throughout Iowa, this is an evolving situation and Red Cross cost estimates may change as the service delivery needs change.

“The Red Cross said they have enough to cover the costs of the disaster operation, but at the same time fundraising events are still happening.” 

Fundraising efforts and events take time to plan and carry out.  Many local community members and organizations are just now coming to the Red Cross to present the culmination of their efforts – efforts that began shortly after the tornadoes hit and before the Red Cross announced that enough donations for the Iowa tornadoes had been received.  

Additionally, the Red Cross isn’t always aware of the generous efforts of community members until we are presented with the gifts. This support comes with good intentions and is certainly appreciated. The Red Cross honors donor intent, and if donors ask for their gifts to be used in Iowa, we will honor that request.

“We don’t see the Red Cross in town.  What are they doing and what is the money being spent on?”

The Red Cross began providing emergency shelter within hours of the tornado. Since then, feeding, casework, and bulk distribution has been in full force.  Not all Red Cross services are as visible as our mobile feeding vehicles or the feeding sites. For instance, family casework, first aid, and mental health services are strictly confidential and as such aren’t always visible. Similarly, clean-up items such as gloves, rakes, plastic storage containers and sunscreen don’t display the Red Cross logo, but are necessary items that help tornado victims begin to recover.

As of June 6, the Red Cross has supported the Iowa tornado victims by providing 59,367 meals and snacks, 33,684 clean-up items, and 1,463 mental health counseling sessions.

“Why is the Red Cross not directing funds or directing people to the funds which are going to directly help them recover?”

An enormous amount of items and services have been and will continue to be provided to help the communities affected by the Iowa tornadoes begin to recover.  Funds continue to be directed to families and individuals who need to purchase clothing, food and other essentials.  Once the demand for Red Cross emergency services subsides, we will continue to work in conjunction with other community organizations for long-term recovery efforts.

Recovery efforts for the Iowa tornadoes are bigger than any one organization, and the Red Cross is committed to providing not only emergency assistance, but also to helping affected families and individuals find other community resources to support their recovery efforts.

“People going to the Red Cross service center are being denied service.”

Everyone affected is eligible for services such as meals, snacks, clean-up supplies, and safety items. Financial assistance is determined on a case-by-case basis.  The Red Cross is one of many organizations helping people move forward with their lives.  Red Cross assistance is designed to provide emergency services, not to replace other available resources. 

“The Red Cross isn't helping people who have insurance.”

Red Cross assistance such as food, shelter, emotional support, first aid, and clean-up supplies is available to any affected family or individual regardless of insurance status.  Each affected family or individual is encouraged to meet one-on-one with a Red Cross caseworker to determine what types of emergency assistance, including financial help, is needed to support recovery efforts. Emergency financial assistance is based on the need level of a family or individual, not the dollar amount of their loss.