HRCadmin posted on January 26, 2011 12:42
From January 10 – January 17, 2011 the Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross assisted 61 individuals and provided over $10,500 in direct financial assistance. The local chapter of the Red Cross provides shelter, food, and clothing for victims of a home fire in Bladen, Cumberland, Harnett, Hoke and Sampson Counties.
“With donations running low for this time of year our chapter needs local support now more then ever. Many people don’t realize that the American Red Cross is a charitable organization, not a government agency, and we depend on volunteers and the generosity of local donors and business to provide our life saving services” Executive Director Victoria Raleigh said.
The Highlands Chapter Disaster Action Team that responds to home fires and other disasters is comprised solely of dedicated volunteers living in Cumberland and surrounding counties. These Volunteers receive phone calls in the middle of the night and respond to the scene of a fire to provide shelter, food and clothing to victims in need.
Emergency Services Director Ron Thompson stated, "The large number of fires has had an impact on volunteers who respond. They see so many people in need and our assistance has to be stretched to help as many as possible. You always want to do more than we are able to do. The volunteers who give their time to help those in need are the best asset our chapter has." It is because of dedicated volunteers like these that 91 cents of every dollar donated to the American Red Cross goes directly to meeting client needs.*
The spike in fires can be attributed to lack of fire safety awareness and the weather, among other things. The Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross encourages everyone to always be attentive to items cooking on a stove and to continue to have routine maintenance done on fireplaces and furnaces.
The Highlands Chapter provides Services to the Armed Forces, Health and Safety Education and Trainings and Blood Services in addition to their Emergency Services. If you are able to give the gift of hope this winter through a financial donation or are interested in hosting a fundraising event with your church or community group please contact the Highlands Chapter directly at 910-867-8151.
*For our wonderful volunteers interested in becoming Disaster Action Team members please note we are holding classes on February 7th for Client Casework from 6-10pm and on Feburary 12th for Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) training from 9AM to 4PM. You MUST have a valid drivers license to attend the ERV class. Please call Ron Thompson at 910-867-8151 ext. 27*
**For those of you interested in becoming a volunteer at the Highlands Chapter of the American Red Cross, (So you can do awesome things like become a member of the Disaster Action Team) please contact Tracey Kohut at 910-867-8151 ext 29 and sign yourself up for our next volunteer orientation which will be held on February 1st from 10-11:30AM. Our next orientation after that will be on February 15th from 5-6:30PM**