Red Cross: Disaster funds wiped out

Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa -- The American Red Cross says its Disaster Relief Fund is out of money.

The organization says it will have to borrow so it can keep helping flood victims in the Midwest.

The shortage comes amid ongoing Red Cross relief efforts in Iowa, Illinois, Missouri and elsewhere. About 2,500 workers are involved, nearly 90 percent of them are volunteers.

A Red Cross official says the Disaster Relief Fund has gotten depleted in recent years in the absence of large-scale disasters, which can bring attention -- as well as donations.

So far, he says the flood response in the Midwest has cost about $15 million.

Visit the Red Cross to volunteer or donate funds.