Maria Marquez isn’t sure what would have happened to her family if the Red Cross wasn’t there to help not once…but twice.
Maria and Jose Marquez, along with their six children are warm and safe at a Red Cross shelter in Memphis, Tennessee. A few days ago, things were much different.
“When we woke up at four in the morning, water was inside our house and covering the cars outside,” says Brenda Marquez, 16-year-old daughter. “We had to swim to dry ground.” It was terrifying for everyone. They have nothing left.
What makes it even more difficult and heartbreaking for this family is that their home burned to the ground in December. Red Cross volunteers were there to meet their immediate emergency needs. A few months later, they moved into a new home.
“We were just recovering from the fire,” says Brenda with a sigh. “It’s hard to believe this is happening.”
While the Marquez family waits until it’s safe to return home, they’ll be cared for and comforted at the Red Cross shelter. Warm meals are served three times a day. Red Cross counselors and nurses are providing an extra layer of support.
And, a little extra care was delivered to the family’s youngest daughter, Priscila. On the day she turned seven, volunteers gave her a Red Cross teddy bear.
A sweet “thank-you,” came from Priscila, who has held on tightly to that bear since getting it.
While the Marquez family has to start all over again…for the second time, they realize how lucky they are. “I’m just so happy we still have our six children,” says Maria.
She’s also overwhelmed by the support of Red Cross volunteers and partners and is grateful to everyone for their help. “Thank you! Thank you!”
Volunteers from 37 states are helping families like the Marquez’s across the state of Tennessee. If you want to help the Red Cross, please donate to the Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-RED CROSS or visiting www.redcross.org. You can also text RED CROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
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