The local chapter of the American Red Cross kicked off its annual Heroes campaign Thursday, with participants gathering for an appreciation luncheon at Mississippi University for Women.
The four-week, volunteer-led grassroots initiative asks each ‘hero’ to commit to raising at least $1,000 for the Northeast Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross, which serves Alcorn, Benton, Calhoun, Chickasaw, Clay, Itawamba, Lee, Lowndes, Monroe, Oktibbeha, Pontotoc, Prentiss, Tippah, Tishomingo, Union and Webster counties.
Last year, 38 people participated, raising more than $38,000. This year, the campaign goal is $50,000.
Though the hands behind the Red Cross are not always visible, the organization itself — and its bold red and white logo –has become a symbol of help and hope, said Kenneth McFarland, local board president.
“When you see disasters, you see the military, first responders and the Red Cross,” McFarland said. “When you see that symbol, you know there’s some help going on. Now, we need others to help us, so we can help others when the time arrives.”
According to Red Cross statistics, the agency responded to nearly 70,000 disasters nationwide last year. The Northeast Mississippi chapter provided disaster relief to more than 2,000 people, offering disaster preparation, response and financial assistance.
Chapter statistics indicate 80 percent of local disaster-aid recipients do not have insurance.
But though disaster relief is a major component of the Red Cross mission, the agency also offers training sessions in lifesaving skills and provides support to military families.
Locally, more than 5,000 people participated in Red Cross first aid, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training and lifeguard classes last year.
The Red Cross also serves 1.4 million active duty military personnel, along with 1.5 million members of the National Guard, by aiding service members and their families with around-the-clock emergency communications.
The Heroes campaign is part of a series of fund drives, which will be conducted throughout the nation, during March, in honor of Red Cross Month, designated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1943.
Thursday night, a fundraising concert was held in Columbus High School’s auditorium.
McFarland noted the Heroes campaign pinpoints a way for individuals to help. Heroes can give a $1,000 donation or they can donate their time, soliciting $1,000 from others.
Of course, no one is limited in the amount of giving and no one is penalized for raising less money, said Perneatha Evans, branch office coordinator for Northeast Mississippi. All donations are welcomed and needed.
“This is an opportunity for all that live in this community to make their voice heard,” McFarland said.
The campaign ends March 31. For more information, contact Evans at 662-328-5710.
The American Red Cross was established in Washington, D.C. in 1881, by nurse and humanitarian Clara Barton, after she witnessed the work of the International Red Cross while vacationing in Europe after the Civil War.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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