POARCH CREEK INDIANS DONATES $200,000 TO AMERICAN RED CROSS FOR DISASTER RELIEF EFFORTS OF HURRICANES HARVEY AND IRMA

POARCH CREEK INDIAN RESERVATION, AL, Oct. 13, 2017 -- The Poarch Band of Creek Indians today announced a $200,000 donation to the American Red Cross. The funds will go towards relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma; two catastrophic storms that have had major impacts in Texas and Florida in particular during this year’s hurricane season.    

 “We are so honored to be able to help our neighbors in their time of need.  We know all too well the destruction and suffering that hurricanes and their aftermath can bring to communities.  Our hope is that this donation will help those affected by these storms rebuild their homes, schools, churches and businesses. We also pray that these funds help restore a sense of security and normality to their lives that they may have lost,” Stephanie A. Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO, Poarch Band of Creek Indians.  

The Poarch Creek Tribal Council Members voted unanimously to make this donation, which is part of the Tribe’s ongoing Planned Giving Campaign.  The donation will go directly to the Central Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross and will aid in disaster relief to provide victim assistance for the residents of Texas and Florida.

 “We appreciate the hard work and dedication that the Staff and Volunteers of the American Red Cross have shown to the displaced individuals as a result of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma that impacted Texas and Florida,” commented April Sells, Tribal Emergency Services Director, Poarch Band of Creek Indians.   

 "We are truly thankful for the donation provided by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians," said Mark Beddingfield, CEO Alabama Red Cross. "This donation given to Red Cross will help people affected by recent devastating storms. Donations are used to prepare for, respond to and help people recover from these devastating disasters. This includes providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support, recovery planning and other assistance as well as supporting the vehicles, warehouses, technology and people that make that help possible."

About the Poarch Band of Creek Indians

The Poarch Creek Indians are descendants of a segment of the original Creek Nation, which once covered almost all of Alabama and Georgia.  Unlike many eastern Indian tribes, the Poarch Creeks were not removed from their tribal lands and have lived together for almost 200 years in and around the reservation in Poarch, Alabama. The reservation is located eight miles northwest of Atmore, Alabama in rural Escambia County, and 57 miles east of Mobile. 

 The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized Indian Tribe in the state of Alabama, operating as a sovereign nation with its own system of government and bylaws.  The Tribe operates a variety of economic enterprises, which employ hundreds of area residents.  The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is an active partner in the state of Alabama, contributing to economic, educational, social and cultural projects benefiting both Tribal Members and residents of these local communities and neighboring towns.

The Tribe’s Planned Giving Campaign includes significant donations to local schools, education scholarships, senior centers, youth athletics, and charitable organizations. 

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

How to Help 

Hurricane Harvey

The Red Cross has launched a massive response to this devastating storm and needs financial donations to be able to provide immediate disaster relief. Help people affected by Hurricane Harvey by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word HARVEY to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Hurricane Irma

The Red Cross depends on financial donations to be able to provide disaster relief immediately. Help people affected by Hurricane Irma by visiting redcross.org, calling 1- 800-RED CROSS or texting the word IRMA to 90999 to make a $10 donation

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Attachments:

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a8ed274a-a097-4fa6-8eaf-c3f4b1beca3c

Sharon Delmar
Poarch Creek Indians
(251) 368-9136
[email protected]