Isle of Capri donates $10,000 to Red Cross

Isle of Capri has made a $10,000 donation to the Southeast Missouri chapter of the American Red Cross in Cape Girardeau to assist victims of the recent 11-unit apartment fire that left nine families homeless Tuesday in Caruthersville, Mo. Three employees at Lady Luck Casino in Caruthersville, which is operated by Isle of Capri, are among those who lost their homes in the fire.

According to Sara Gerau, development director at the Red Cross' Southeast Missouri chapter, the estimated cost of assistance given to the families in Caruthersville is $15,000.

"We are there to make sure that the immediate needs of shelter, food, clothing and medical needs are met," Gerau said. "Basic needs are met first. The Red Cross then continues to work with the family and other agencies as they plan their long-range recovery."

December has been a busy month for the local Red Cross chapter, which has assisted with nine fires so far.

It has provided aid to 30 children and adults affected by nine home fires since Dec. 1. The fires have occurred in Scott, Butler, New Madrid, Bollinger and Pemiscot counties.

"Disasters like home fires can be traumatizing," said Jamie Koehler, director of emergency services for the Southeast Missouri chapter. "Long-term recovery is critical, and we work with individuals to help them prevent, prepare for, and respond accordingly."

To make a donation to the Red Cross to help families or to volunteer, call 335-9471, e-mail info@semoredcross.org or visit www.semoredcross.org.

* Printing company has new name: Cape Girardeau Printing Co. has changed its name to The Printing Co. The 23-year-old, family-owned business, at 112 S. Broadview St. in Cape Girardeau and 11 W. Saint Joseph St. in Perryville, offers printing, design, production and promotional products. The Printing Co. will continue to employ all associates working for the company in both the Cape Girardeau and Perryville locations.

n Cash for Tools visits Cape Girardeau: The Cash for Tools program will be at the Osage Centre through Thursday. The company supplies tools to aid recovery efforts after catastrophic events, according to spokesman Tyler Kelly. "We are traveling from town to town looking for farming equipment, construction equipment and right down to your household tools that could potentially be in your local community," Kelly said. The event will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday.

Southeast Missourian business reporter Melissa Miller may be contacted at 388-3646 or mmiller@semissourian.com.