Red Cross Service Center Closes in Midwest City

By Alex Cameron, NEWS 9

MIDWEST CITY, Oklahoma - Four days after wildfires swept through several neighborhoods in eastern Oklahoma County, Red Cross officials say less than two dozen homeowners have come in for assistance.

YZ Lewis can certainly use the help. His home was one of those at the mercy of the wildfire that swept through Choctaw Thursday.

"Two-story house just all down to the ground," Lewis said.

Lewis was provided with a rake, work gloves and $330 for food and clothes from the Red Cross. He began the process of rebuilding his life.

"They're helping me out," Lewis said.

Red Cross officials want to help more.

"We're still hoping that the ones that we've helped will go out and let the people know that we are here to assist them," said Red Cross volunteer Mike Hucks.

The Red Cross opened a service center in Midwest City on Saturday, but as of late Monday morning had had only about 20 families apply for help.

Statewide, they say about 50 families have taken advantage of their emergency services. The temporary service center here in the metro, located at 208 S. Douglas Boulevard, closed Monday.

Victims of the wildfires can get financial assistance on the spot, as well as free bulk supplies, such as rakes, trash bags, and work gloves.

Red Cross officials were not planning to reopen their service center Tuesday, but victims can still obtain their services by going to their headquarters at 601 NE 6 Street.

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