United Way of Martin County has made a special grant of $13,020 to the American Red Cross Martin County Chapter to purchase a kitchen support trailer that would speed help to victims of disaster.

The United Way of Martin County’s Board of Directors and Resource Investment Committee approved the funding during meetings the week of Feb. 19.

“The United Way is pleased to support the disaster services provided by the American Red Cross,” said Jim Vojcsik, executive director of United Way of Martin County. “This one-time grant will purchase equipment that will facilitate emergency food deliveries to Martin County residents in times of disaster.”

The trailer would be used to help the Red Cross chapter deploy feeding sites immediately following a hurricane or other disaster – especially to damaged and economically disadvantaged areas of the county. “The kitchen support trailer enables the Red Cross to react quickly to get food and water to the most vulnerable populations,” the chapter’s request stated.

The trailer is equipped with serving equipment, nonperishable food and other supplies needed to activate 10 mobile feeding vehicles. With the items contained in the trailer, more than 5,000 meals can be distributed daily – safely and in accordance with health department standards.

This would not be the first time the American Red Cross chapter and United Way of Martin County partnered to acquire vital equipment. The two organizations joined together in 2000 to purchase a shelter trailer, which proved to be a huge asset during the 2004 and 2005 hurricanes.

For more information about United Way of Martin County, call (772) 283-4800 or visit www.unitedwaymartincounty.org.