PARKSVILLE -- The Sullivan County Chapter of the American Red Cross in Greater Now York came to the rescue of 288 people displaced by a multiple alarm fire on October 16 at the Best Western Paramount Hotel in Parksville, New York.

Two hundred and twenty hotel guests were part of an Elderhostel educational program. Red Cross Disaster Services was on the scene immediately to assist the elderly individuals who were brought to the Red Cross shelter, opened at Liberty High School, where culturally sensitive meals were provided.

Doctors Sam Okanta and Marvin Davidowitz and registered nurses Marta Williams and Linda Gasiorek from Community General Hospital were on site to assist the Red Cross with replacing lost medicine and to address immediate health concerns. The Red Cross is working collaboratively with Elderhostel, the Best Western Paramount Hotel, Cellular One, who provided phones to help with the relief effort, and other emergency agencies.

All emergency assistance from the American Red Cross is free to victims of disaster in Greater New York. The Red Cross is a nonprofit agency and does not rely on government funding to offer these and other services. To make a donation, call 877/RED CROSS or visit www.nyredcross.org. Individuals interested in volunteer should call 845/583-8340.