Wednesday, June 4, 2003
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Wednesday, June 4, 2003 |
Red Cross starts Heroes campaignAccording to Chief Jack Krakeel, Director of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services, the disaster services provided by the American Red Cross are something the community can't do without. "In my 25 years of public safety and the fire service, one of the most valuable resources that we have is the Red Cross," he emphasized. "The services they provide are an imperative part of our response and delivery system," he added. "It is hard to imagine helping our citizens and our community recover from house fires and other disasters without their timely assistance." The South Metro American Red Cross Service Center in Morrow is launching their first "Heroes Campaign" designed to raise needed funds to ensure the continuation of the programs and services it has been providing the community for several years. Chief Krakeel wanted to go on record in support of the Red Cross and urge his fellow Fayette County residents to help the organization that is always there for them in times of extreme need. Ruben Brown, director of the Morrow center that provides Red Cross programs and services to Fayette, Clayton, Henry, South Fulton and Butts Counties, said the Heroes Campaign is a unique fundraising concept used successfully by other Red Cross chapters and centers throughout the state. "Anyone who makes a $1,000 donation, or pledges to raise that amount will be considered a Red Cross Hero," explained Brown. Donors can contribute at any level. The campaign officially begins with a kickoff celebration at the Wyndham Peachtree City Conference Center Friday at 8:30 a.m. and will continue through June 27. Donors can contribute at any level to the campaign. According to Joan Smith, a Red Cross volunteer and campaign chairperson, this effort comes at the right time. "Although disaster needs continue to rise with the rapid southside growth, donations have been decreasing for several months. The recently announced reduction in United Way funding hurts as well," she said. "Many people think the Red Cross is part of the government and we receive government funding. That's not true. Red Cross relies on the generosity of the public to allow us to do what we do every day in this community," Smith added. Since last July, the south metro center has provided more than $117,000 in disaster assistance to 543 people. According to Smith, Red Cross volunteers are often on the scene of home and apartment fires literally before the smoke clears providing immediate food, clothing, shelter and much more. "All the assistance Red Cross provides is free," stressed Smith. Brown explained the center also provides youth programs, health and safety training such as CPR, first aid and babysitting and also provides HIV-AIDS instructor training. "People don't realize the many programs and services we offer that help make our community a better, healthier, safer place to live," said Brown. Smith added that last year the South Metro office was almost closed because of funding problems. "We feel a successful Heroes Campaign will ensure that the doors stay open and Red Cross will remain both as a neighbor and a vital provider of emergency services to all our citizens on the southside." Anyone needing more information or wishing to become a Red Cross Hero should contact Brown at 770-961-2552. He stressed, "We are here for our citizens and because of them."
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