MINEOLA, N.Y., Nov. 15, 2008 -- As wildfires rage through Southern California, volunteers from the American Red Cross are providing safe shelter, food and emotional support to evacuees.

The fires are the latest challenge for the Red Cross which has responded to over sixty large-scale disasters this year, including Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, record flooding in the Midwest, and several tornadoes.

Sadly, donations have outpaced expenses and Long Islanders are encouraged to help victims of disasters, like the California wildfires, by making a contribution to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. Donations can be made by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS or online at www.redcross.org.

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