Wednesday, June 11, 2003
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Wednesday, June 11, 2003 |
To help others in time of need, Red Cross needs Fayette's helpBy JOHN
MUNFORD
Chief Jack Krakeel of the Fayette County Department of Fire and Emergency Services recalls a time when the American Red Cross came to the county's need. It was 1994, and parts of Fayette were flooded out after rains that wouldn't quit. "We were able to withstand that disaster largely because of help from the Red Cross," Krakeel said. But now the Red Cross needs Fayette County's help. One of its main funding sources has been cut and the agency is asking Fayette residents to chip in as little or as much as they can. "Every little bit counts," said Joan Smith, chair of the Heroes fund-raising campaign for the South Metro Service Center of the Red Cross. "A dollar does make a difference." Donations can be made in person at the Wachovia Bank in Fayetteville at 620 N. Jeff Davis Drive. Donations can also be mailed to : The American Red Cross, South Metro Service Center, 1115-H Mt. Zion Rd., Morrow, Ga. 30260, Attn: Ruben Brown. The Red Cross helps out local families who are burned out of their homes and have lost all their possessions. In addition to providing food and clothing, the Red Cross also provides temporary lodging so the family can try and return to normal. The agency is also prepared to open shelters in Fayette or elsewhere should a large-scale evacuation take place for whatever reason. Regardless of the scale of disaster, "The Red Cross is going to be there and take care of your family," Krakeel said. "They are there, they are ready to lend a hand and they are friendly and compassionate. "I certainly hope our community will respond to this need of the Red Cross. ... I don't know what Fayette County would do without the Red Cross." Peachtree City Mayor Steve Brown noted that the agency also assists refugees from other countries who come here "with nothing but the clothes on their backs." "In the event we had to evacuate our citizens, we are very dependent on the Red Cross to shelter them," Brown added. Organizers have set a goal of raising $50,000 but they hope to raise even more to meet the agency's financial needs.
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