Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News Feb 27, 2013) — The Buffalo Valley Red Cross Chapter in Jamestown, on Wednesday, joined other Minn-Dak Red Cross Chapters in recognizing local motels, in donating rooms for disaster displaced individuals and families.

At the Gladstone Inn & Suites in Jamestown, it was noted by Buffalo Valley Chapter. Manager, Beth Dewald that in 2012 the Red Cross locally responded to over 160 disasters in the region. She said Red Cross volunteers respond to house/apartment fires most often, that leaves individuals and famlies homeless, unexpectedly.

At the gathering on Wednesday, was Myra Olson, who along with her husband, Robert and three children were left homeless when a fire in November of 2012 destroyed their home in Flasher, ND, and possessions, and their two dogs died in the fire.

Myra said the Red Cross was on scene and brought the family to Bismarck for housing and other needs.

She said the Red Cross relocation was “one less thing to worry about,” following the family’s devastating losses.

Beth Dewald said,The Rooms For Red Cross campaign plays a key role in helping disaster victims get back on their feet, adding, the rooms will be used on occasion for military personnel, in need of lodging during an emergency situation.

She said its not if, but, when, a disaster will occur.

She pointed out that eleven hotels in the Buffalo Valley are have come together to donate 70 rooms for 2013. The rooms will go to those in need throughout the calendar year.

Participating hotels in the area are in Jamestown, Valley City, Carrington, and Medina, with others coming on board.

Those presently include…the AmericInn, Valley City, Westside Motel, North Country Lodge, Island Park Motel, Carrington Inn & Suites, Holiday Inn Express, Gladstone Inn & Suites, Twin Pines Inn, Oxenrider Motel, Buffalo City Motel, and Quality Inn & Suites.

Also on hand at the news conference was Jamestown City Fire Chief Jim Reuther, who said the Red Cross plays a “key part to out function.” (as fire fighters).

He noted the quick-response time to the local Red Cross, on scene at fires.

Also attending the news conference were…Gladstone Inn & Suites, General Manager Phyllis Thompson, and Matt Stockert from Quality Inn & Suites in Jamestown.

Participating motels received a certificate of recognition and will display window clings indicating their participation in Rooms For Red Cross..

In 2012, “Rooms For Red Cross” in the Minn-Kota region, including North Dakota and western Minnesota, donated temporary housing to almost 1,000 individuals who lost their homes or apartments because of fire or other disasters.