The Chilton County Branch of the American Red Cross spent nearly $19,000 assisting victims of house fires during the 2007-08 fiscal year.

Twenty-nine families consisting of 81 adults and 56 children were given assistance under the Single Family Fire Disaster Program for a total of $18,709.85 with an average of $645.17 per case.

That’s more than the organization is used to seeing, American Red Cross Director Betty Byrd said.

“We had an outstanding amount of house fires,” she said.

“The American Red Cross is always first on the scene and available with shelter, food and clothing for victims of house fires and other disasters.”

Byrd added that 21 houses in Chilton County were affected by tornadoes this past fiscal year.

In addition, 207 families were given assistance under Project Share for a total of $15,843.20 with an average of $76.54 per case.

A total of 11 messages were received from military personnel in the area. These messages were relayed to the proper agencies.

A total of 22 blood drives were conducted throughout the county, which accounted for 580 pints of blood received.

Local Red Cross volunteers donated 2,487 hours, giving their assistance at the office working Project Share, Single Family Fires, AFES messages or at blood drives.

“I want to thank all our partners, organizations and individuals here in the county who donate annually to your local chapter of the American Red Cross,” Byrd said. “I also appreciate our volunteers, and I am looking forward to working with them in the upcoming year.”