Red Cross unveils new fundraising drive

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Chapter of the American Red Cross is launching a new disaster relief fundraising drive.

As part of the effort, the Red Cross will be airing national television ads, using social media to raise awareness and make public appeals for donations.

• Print Your Own Hurricane Tracking Chart

"The Red Cross spends about $450 million a year responding to nearly 70,000 disasters across the country - floods, wildfires, tornados and home fires," said Bruce Rutter, CEO of the Rhode Island Chapter, through a news release. "We're asking people to donate to disaster relief now, through phone web or text.

"More than 10,000 Rhode Islanders used the texting service to make a donation to Haiti relief last winter," Rutter said. "I'm hoping we get as many to text again-this time to help victims of disaster closer to home."

There are several ways to make a donation:

• Log onto the Red Cross web site
• Call (800) REDCROSS
• Text REDCROSS to 90999

The Red Cross says it is timing the fundraising to begin just before the height of hurricane season, which typically falls in August and September.

The Red Cross says it is expecting an extremely active hurricane season.