A rash of disaster situations through the first half of 2008 has a local Red Cross chapter facing a funding crisis.

Officials with the Clearfield-Jefferson chapter of the American Red Cross said they are currently helping several thousand people but said donations haven't kept up with demand.

The chapter is currently in a $49,000 deficit because they said they're not getting as much help as they used to from the community.

"The primary reason that we have the deficit that we do at this point in time is that there has been a significant decrease in support from the area and from residents," said Rodney Buck, of the Clearfield-Jefferson chapter of the Red Cross.

The Red Cross is involved in assisting many families in the area, including those who have lost their homes by fire. The chapter was one of the first organizations at the scene of an April 3 fire in Brockway that killed 10.

The chapter was recently examined by the National Red Cross, which determined the chapter is being managed economically.

To donate, call 814-765-5516.