American Red Cross volunteers and staff helped make the holiday season a little brighter on Dec. 20 at its annual Red Cross House Holiday Party for families impacted by local disasters over the past year. Here, families enjoyed a meal, cookie decorating with JNA Culinary Arts Institute, photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus and Red Cross mascot Fred Cross, a visit from the Philadelphia Fire Department and gifts. The joy on the children’s faces lifted everyone’s spirits.

Check out news coverage from 6abc below or view event photos on Flickr.

The Red Cross House is a one-of-a-kind disaster recovery center in West Philadelphia that provides support to clients in a safe and comfortable environment. Families get their own room and key with a bathroom and three meals per day while they develop a recovery plan with a Red Cross caseworker.

In FY23, the Red Cross House provided 183 families — 338 adults and 187 children — with disaster recovery services, including 4,332 overnight stays and 12,996 meals. Visit our website to learn more.