ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — The Red Cross said it has been hit hard by natural disasters in the last year including tornadoes and flooding in the area.

People are optimistic at the St. Joseph County Red Cross headquarters.

They anticipate at least breaking even this year. In the last year, the Red Cross has been busy and they are now asking for your help.

“We're doing our best to keep our heads above water," said Director John Pinter.

Since the Civil War days, the Red Cross has helped provide food, shelter, and support for anyone hit by disaster, natural or man-made.

Earlier this year, federal disaster relief dollars went to help people in northern Indiana faced with flooding.

“Our goal is to help fundraise to get that back up to the level it was, but it's been hit on and hit on and hit on a number of times,” said Pinter.

It has been hit on for record-breaking floods and devastating tornadoes across the Midwest. And even local chapters are concerned.

Since 2006, the St. Joseph County chapter has helped victims from nearly 150 fires.

Last year, local finances ran into the red.

But Pinter said this year, he hopes to break even.

“In order for us to be there when an emergency comes, we need people's support throughout the whole year," Pinter said.

Berrien County’s Red Cross has also been running in the red. Their cash reserves are gone and the director said, unless things change, they may have to close their doors within a year.

In 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, the Red Cross had to take out loans for the first time in its history to provide aid.

To continue helping out in flood zones across the Midwest, they are taking out loans again.

They’re optimistic they will be able to raise enough money to pay those loans back.

For information on how you can help the Red Cross, click on the link in the Related Content box.