American Red Cross

MODESTO -- U.S Army Pfc., KirkPatrick Lane stands with his grandmother, Cleda Lane, as she holds the American flag she received at the funeral ceremony of her husband, veteran Kirk Lane.

Cleda raised KirkPatrick from the age of 9 months old when his parents passed away. They consider him to be their son.

"It was my husband's dream to see our son graduate from basic training in July, 2012 and then he passed away August 20th," Cleda said. "I started with the Red Cross having them alert Fort Leonard Wood that my husband, Kirk Sr., had passed away. They were handling that for me and they did a wonderful job ... They've always been there and they have never told any of my military families no."

American Red Cross Capital Region Chapter in Modesto responds to emergencies and provides preparedness training, military support services, CPR/first-aid training, first-aid teams and community outreach and education.

Address: 1230 Sixth St., Modesto, 95354

Phone number: (209) 523-6453

Web site: www.redcrosscrc.org

Services provided: American Red Cross responds to emergencies and provides preparedness training, military support services, CPR/First Aid training, First Aid Teams and community outreach and education. Your donation supports:

• Emergency response: 24/7/365 response providing lodging, food, clothing, community resources and case-management following a home fire.

• Services to the Armed Forces: Emergency payment of utilities, rent/mortgage or transportation for service members, veterans and family who don't qualify for other financial aid programs.

• Blanket program: Blankets for fire victims, seniors, disabled, veterans and the homeless.

• Hygiene items: For fire victims, veterans and homeless.

• Volunteer Training.

How we serve those in need:

On average we respond every 72 hours to local home disasters. The number of individuals served is approximately 63 per month. Nearly 97 percent of those we serve are low to very low income and living in rental housing.

Military families average two per month and family size and make-up varies. We serve all branches of the military. Financial aid is for veterans, active duty, guard and reserves.

Blankets and hygiene items are given to all families affected by a disaster. We also provide these items to members of our homeless, disabled and senior communities, when available. We appreciate the donation of new and gently-used clean blankets and hygiene items throughout the year.

How a $10 donation can help:

1. Three pair of socks for a child following a home fire.

2. A sweatshirt and sweatpants for a child following a fire.

3. One blanket for a fire victim, homeless, senior, disabled and/or veteran.

$25 donation:

1. Four hygiene bags for a family after a home fire.

2. One pair of socks and shoes for an adult fire victim.

3. Diapers or formula for an infant after a home fire.

$50 donation:

1. One gas card for a veteran or service member.

2. Three blankets for fire victims or homeless individuals.

3. A warm coat, hat and gloves for a fire victim.

$100 donation:

1. One utility bill for a veteran or service member.

2. One night of lodging for a family of six following a fire.

3. Four days of groceries for a family of three following a home fire.

Volunteer update:

The American Red Cross is a volunteer-driven organization with volunteers making up 97 percent of our workforce. New volunteer orientation is offered the first Tuesday of each month from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Pre-registration is requested. Opportunities include:

1. Emergency Services.

2. Services to the Armed Forces.

3. Health and Safety.

4. Office Volunteers.

5. Youth Volunteers: Ages 15 and older are eligible to volunteer.

Call (209) 523-6453