HEMPSTEAD, N.Y., March 24, 2008 - Thirty-one residents of the Colonial Gardens Apartments, at 299 Jackson Street, were left homeless Monday night after a fire swept through several apartments. Volunteers from the American Red Cross in Nassau County provided assistance.

In all, six units were damaged by the blaze. Nineteen residents--11 adults and 8 children--from the building are currently being provided temporary shelter in nearby motels, as well as funds for food and clothing, according to Bruce Vesloski, Red Cross volunteer. Relief totaled $6,285.

The remaining residents--10 adults, 2 children--intially requested assistance, yet found shelter on their own.

Additionally, Red Cross volunteers provided firefighters with hot coffee, water and snacks.

All Red Cross disaster assistance is provided at no cost to those affected. In just over eight months, volunteers from the Nassau Red Cross have responded to 113 local emergencies--mainly home fires--and have provided over $130,000 in relief to over 600 Nassau residents.

The American Red Cross in Nassau County is only able to perform its services due to the generosity of individuals who donate their time or money to the nonprofit agency. To learn how you can help, visit the local chapter at 195 Willis Avenue in Mineola, or online at www.nassauredcross.org.

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