When disaster strikes, the American Red Cross has been at the forefront of emergency response and relief in the United States for over a century. This nonprofit organization has become synonymous with providing aid, comfort, and hope to individuals and communities affected by disasters both large and small. From responding to major hurricanes, wildfires, and floods to assisting with personal emergencies like home fires, the organization is fully committed to mobilizing resources, rallying communities, and restoring hope when it is needed most. The American Red Cross Alabama-Mississippi Region, which is comprised of 149 counties that are broken into eight geographical Chapters, reflects this character as it is guided daily by the noble mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering. From the families impacted by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 to the most recent devastation in the Rolling Fork and Amory (Miss.) tornadoes, the American Red Cross plays a vital role in preparedness, response, and recovery.  

Established in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross is an iconic symbol of compassion, resilience, and humanitarian service. Over the years, it has earned the trust and respect of millions of Americans. Its symbol, the distinctive red cross on a white background, has come to represent hope and assistance in times of crisis. With a vast network of dedicated volunteers, committed staff, and generous donors, the organization tirelessly serves the American people, helping them navigate the darkest hours and find solace during their greatest trials.  

The American Red Cross takes a comprehensive approach to disaster relief, offering assistance across multiple fronts. In June 2023, the organization responded to Mississippi tornado relief efforts by:  

• Providing emergency shelter for more than 251 overnight stays. 

• Distributing over 20,286 meals and snacks. 

• Furnishing medical care and relief supplies to more than 492 households. 

• Supporting over 112 volunteer disaster workers.  

In addition to its disaster response efforts, the American Red Cross is a leading provider of health and safety training, offering courses like CPR, first aid, water safety, and caregiving. The organization's impact is far-reaching and lifesaving, proven by its commitment to serving the most vulnerable members of society and empowering communities to become more resilient and better prepared to face adversity.  

Atmos Energy has been a proud supporter of the American Red Cross Alabama-Mississippi Region for more than 20 years, donating over $101,000 in funds and volunteering countless hours. For example, Atmos Energy employees volunteered in Meridian to help distribute meals to families after Hurricane Katrina and donated $25,000 to help the Red Cross in Tupelo build a facility to house displaced families with temporary housing. And as our neighbors in Amory and Rolling Fork continue to recover, Atmos Energy’s commitment to Fueling Safe and Thriving Communities supported relief efforts by contributing $50,000 to the American Red Cross Mississippi Chapter.  

For a better understanding of how donor dollars are used in a disaster, consider:  

• $1,800 deploys a volunteer to an operation for at least 12 days. This includes travel, transportation, lodging, food, and vital support systems. 

• $7,700 deploys a Shelter Auxiliary Trailer, a specialized trailer designed to provide functional needs support for 500 people staying in shelters for two weeks.  

• $10,600 is the average cost of opening a shelter for one night, which includes providing breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks, the costs to mobilize and distribute a cot, two blankets and a comfort kit for 150 people.  

• $25,000 is the average cost of stocking an Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) with needed supplies for three days. This service includes providing lunch, dinner, and snacks for some 400 people, the travel costs to deploy two disaster responders to operate the ERV, and vehicle maintenance and fuel costs. 

“The American Red Cross is doing remarkable things, and we hope this contribution enhances the work already done,” said Mathew Davidson, Atmos Energy Mississippi division president. “We’re proud to serve these great communities, and we will be here to support the recovery efforts for the long haul.” 

“Atmos Energy’s donation will help us serve the communities devastated by tornadoes and storms that left people in need,” said Mark Beddingfield, regional executive of Alabama and Mississippi Region of the American Red Cross. “We are able to provide safe lodging, nourishing meals, comfort, care, and support through this and other ongoing crises.”    

Anyone wishing to donate to the American Red Cross Alabama-Mississippi Region is encouraged to visit: https://www.redcross.org/local/al-ms.html.