In nearly three months since a massive earthquake devastated Haiti and killed hundreds of thousands of people, East Tennesseans have donated more than $300,000 for Haiti through the American Red Cross.

While East Tennesseans opened their hearts and wallets to victims of the international disaster, annual donations to the Knoxville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross have dropped by more than 10 percent compared to the same time last year.

"The donations to Haiti have been tremendous and something we are extremely proud of," said Lori Marsh with the Knoxville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross. "If a donation is designated for Haiti, that is where it goes and the local chapters do not receive any of it. While generously wanting to give to an international disaster, sometimes people forget there is a disaster every day in this community."

Local Red Cross chapters assist military families in East Tennessee when soldiers are deployed. The Red Cross also responds to provide aid for victims of severe weather and provide shelters for people before an anticipated storm. One of the biggest contributions by local chapters of the Red Cross is with victims of fires.

"In the 15 counties we serve, we average well over 200 home fires a year that completely burn," said Marsh. "We are there right along with the firefighters to provide help to families displaced by fires with everything from food, clothes, and shelter."

"I think about the Red Cross with things like Hurricanes, but I never expected them to show up when we lost our house," said Lisa Frith.

Fire completely destroyed Frith's home in Knoxville on December 27, 2009. Lisa, her husband, and their five children escaped the flames with their five dogs.

"We got out with the clothes on our backs. It was just traumatic," said Frith. "We lost all of the presents we gave our children for Christmas, including a new pet guinea pig for my son. You always think if there is a fire you will grab this or that, but you don't. My house cooked quicker than you could cook a pizza. It was gone in no time and we lost everything."

Frith said the Red Cross provided her family with immediate assistance.

"It was freezing that day and we were wearing pajamas and flip-flops. I know the Red Cross helps people, but they were there so fast. They helped us get clothes, food, and found a hotel that would allow us to keep our animals. They were wonderful and met our needs in any way, shape, or form."

The Knoxville Area Chapter is still working on its budget and has not determined if any cuts will have to be made to services or staff due to the drop in donations. Nationally, the American Red Cross has already made cuts in benefits for employees such as 401K matching and freezing wages.

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