Published: December 06, 2008 07:29 pm      

The American Red Cross also in need of help by residents

PETERSBURG — Last month the American Red Cross assisted families in Grant, Hardy and Hampshire counties with recovery efforts after the families lost their homes to fires.

A Red Cross volunteer from the Eastern Panhandle Chapter came to Capon Bridge on Nov. 22 and took care of the Hampshire familes and then met with Fran Welton, Grant County Red Cross volunteer, to bring assistance to families in Grant and Hardy counties.

“I finished with those services on Nov. 23 when I met with the Grant County family, Welton said. “Over $1,500 in Red Cross assistance came into these three communities that weekend to help the three families, and the families may need additional assistance within the next few weeks so we don’t know yet just how much the total amount of assistance may be.

“The American Red Cross, National Office, supports family fire recovery efforts from their funds. We in our region of West Virginia would like to assist with the replacement of what has come into our region the past 15 years that helped over 40 families in their fire recovery efforts.

“Over $30,000 has come into the tri-county area to assist families with their recovery efforts from dwelling fires. The Salvation Army, ministerial associations and Catholic Community Services assisted most of the 40-plua families. This is not counting the money used in our three counties to assist with the military cases, training classes or other types of emergency services,’’ she said.

One way of helping, Welton said, is to participate in the National Day of Giving and Volunteer Challenge.

Disasters change lives. Now you can too through the American Red Cross.

Amy Grove, development director of the Eastern Panhandle Chapter of the American Red Cross, announced that Dec. 13 is our National Day of Giving for the American Red Cross.

“On this exciting, unprecedented day,’’ she said, “our volunteers and employees will join together and hit the streets of America to raise awareness and funds to support for the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. I hope you can participate in this special event by making a donation of your time or money to help us achieve our $100 million fundraising goal.’’

The Disaster Relief Fund enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and distribution of emergency supplies to people who need it, whenever and wherever disasters occur. Because emergency needs cannot wait, the Disaster Relief Fund ensures lifesaving services are available immediately to victims of disaster. This fund also enables the Red Cross to prepare for emergencies before disaster strikes by mobilizing personnel and supplies at a moment’s notice. This is only possible through generous donations by individuals, foundations and corporations.

“Thank you in advance for your generosity and support,’’Grove said. “Together, we can face the challenges of today and those that lie ahead. You can make your checks payable to American Red Cross and mail to the Eastern Panhandle Chapter, 1948 Wiltshire Rd., Suite 2, Kearneysville, WV, 25430. For additional information about this fundraiser or American Red Cross Services call Grant Memorial Hospital at (304) 257-5806 or Eastern Panhandle Chapter, (304) 263-5241.