The American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter is seeing its resources taxed after providing disaster relief to a total of 136 residents at two area apartment building fires last week.

“Servicing the families of those two apartment building fires cost us more than $25,000 - and we need to be ready for the next disaster in metro Detroit,” said Glen Hendricks, director of emergency services.

The Hampton Apartments in Highland Park caught on fire early Sunday morning, and the Southeastern Michigan Chapter quickly responded, assisting 43 households, involving 123 individuals with temporary food, clothing and shelter, and comfort kits.

On Thursday morning, a fire broke out at the Academy Apartments in Dearborn Heights, and 13 people were displaced. Again the Southeastern Michigan Chapter responded, assisting all 13 people with a combination of temporary food, clothing and shelter, and comfort kits.

“These and other victims of disaster are able to count on the Red Cross to be there when they’ve experienced these devastating fires,” Hendricks said. “But our humanitarian aid isn’t possible without the public’s support.

“As a non-governmental agency, the Red Cross relies on voluntary donations to carry out our work,” he said. By making a donation, you’re offering much-needed hope to your neighbors in metro Detroit when they most need it.”

The Southeastern Michigan Chapter urges those who want to help, to go online and make a donation at www.semredcross.org. Or, people can make a check out to the American Red Cross, indicating it is for local disaster relief and sending it to the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter, Financial Development Department, 100 Mack Ave., P.O. Box 44110, Detroit, MI 48244-0110.