RELIGION

Church donates $1 million to support American Red Cross hurricane relief efforts

Oct 18, 2024, 5:17 PM | Updated: 8:16 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints donated $1 million to the American Red Cross to help with disaster relief and humanitarian efforts in the wake of two devastating hurricanes.

On Friday, the American Red Cross said the donation will be used to provide shelter, food, water, relief supplies, and emotional and mental health support to those still grappling with the destruction.

“This extraordinary donation from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrives at a critical time,” Heidi Ruster, chief executive officer of the American Red Cross Utah/Nevada region, said. “The Red Cross can support so many families affected by the devastation of Hurricane Helene thanks to the generosity of long-time partners like The Church of Jesus Christ.”

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida on Sept. 26 as a Category 4 hurricane. On Oct. 9, Hurricane Milton hit Florida as a Category 3 storm. The Associated Press reported that the two hurricanes combined were likely to be $50 billion disasters, but damages are still being assessed.

In a release, the American Red Cross stated that floodwaters washed away homes and roads, “leaving entire communities isolated for days.” Approximately 220 deaths were reported, and hundreds are still unaccounted for. “Hurricane Helene is one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history,” the release said.

The organization reported that over 2,000 trained Red Cross disaster relief volunteers are actively assisting in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. The organization reportedly delivered over 2.3 million meals and snacks, and more than 100,000 cleaning and hygiene supplies.

Missionaries helping with Hurricane Helene relief efforts

“Working with the American Red Cross helps us support people impacted by these devastating hurricanes,” Cameron Hatch, Southeast area welfare and self-reliance manager, said. “We’re thankful for everyone who has united with us to help follow Jesus Christ’s example of serving and caring for those in need.”

The release said the donation toward hurricane relief efforts continued a tradition from The Church to Red Cross initiatives, including $1 million toward wildfire relief efforts in Maui in 2023, and $7.35 million donated in 2024 towards underserved communities.

KSL 5 TV Live

Religion

The Church Office Building of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pictured during th...

Tad Walch, Deseret News

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints reiterates immigration policy centered on law, love

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued a statement Thursday reiterating that its approach to immigration issues is centered on love, law and family unity.

11 days ago

The Church Office building of The church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is pictured in Salt L...

Tad Walch, Deseret News

Church says ‘American Primeval’ misrepresents Brigham Young, calls series ‘dangerously misleading’

The violent Netflix limited series “American Primeval” is dangerously misleading historical fiction, said The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in a statement released Friday.

17 days ago

Alex Balint (middle) and Matthew Siliga (right) of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency spea...

Tamara Vaifanua

Looking Out for the Good: Church of Jesus Christ, Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrate 30 years of humanitarian partnership

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Seventh-Day Adventist Church are celebrating 30 years of partnership.

18 days ago

Ellis Ivory, the man tasked by Utah state and religious leaders to revive and restore This is The P...

Erin Cox

After 19 years of service, Ellis Ivory says goodbye to This is the Place Heritage Park

After 19 years of legacy and memories at This is the Place Heritage Park, Ellis Ivory says goodbye to a place he called home.

1 month ago

Some of the thousand attendees of SEEK in Salt Lake City on Jan. 2, 2025....

Garna Mejia

Catholic conference held in Utah for the first time

One of the largest gatherings of Catholics in the world is being held in Salt Lake City for the first time.

1 month ago

Jason Soulier and his wife Jennifer Soulier were serving as leaders of the France Lyon Mission. Jas...

Daniel Woodruff

Family remembers Latter-day Saint mission president who died in France

Family members of a Latter-day Saint mission president from Utah are in shock after he unexpectedly passed away in his sleep over the weekend.

1 month ago

Sponsored Articles

luxury living room with a classic white sofa and sofa, interior design...

Lighting Design

Revisiting home lighting trends for 2025

Looking for inspiration to revamp your home lighting? This article outlines some of the emerging lighting trends for 2025.

holiday gift basket with blue tissue paper and gingerbread cookies...

Kneaders Bakery & Cafe

Holiday hacks for a stress-free season

Get more out of your time with family and loved ones over the holidays by following these tips for a stress-free season.

2 computer techs in a computer shop holding up a computer server with the "hang loose" sign...

PC Laptops

A comprehensive guide to choosing the right computer

With these tips, choosing the right computer that fits your needs and your budget will be easier than ever.

crowds of people in a German style Christmas market...

This Is The Place Heritage Park

Celebrate Christkindlmarket at This Is The Place Heritage Park!

The Christkindlmarket is an annual holiday celebration influenced by German traditions and generous giving.

Image of pretty woman walking in snowy mountains. Portrait of female wearing warm winter earmuff, r...

Lighting Design

Brighten your mood this winter with these lighting tricks

Read our lighting tips on how to brighten your mood in the winter if you are experiencing seasonal affective disorder.

A kitchen with a washer and dryer and a refrigerator...

Appliance Man

Appliance Man: a trusted name in Utah’s home appliance industry

Despite many recent closures of local appliance stores, Appliance Man remains Utah's trusted home appliance business and is here to stay.

Church donates $1 million to support American Red Cross hurricane relief efforts