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Pocono News Section
Helping the Red Cross Help Others
Helping the Red Cross Help Others - Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at 04:03AM EST
Reported by: Mark Hiller
Wednesday March 24 2010
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - An organization that helps so many needs some help of its own. The American Red Cross counts on community support to carry out its humanitarian mission. Not even 3 full months into the year, the Lackawanna Chapter of the American Red Cross has responded to 39 emergencies and helped 180-people. It's concerned about having enough resources to continue helping people like a Scranton woman the Red Cross assisted just last month.
"It was devastating. It was a big loss." That's how Rose Lopez describes the February 16th fire that cost her and her 16-year-old son, Anthony, their home and belongings. The teen had to jump to safety from the second floor of the burning house on East Market Street and broke his foot. The Red Cross tracked down Rose at the hospital and began helping her right away with a place to stay. "They have provided me with, like I said, lodging, food and some rental assistance for my new apartment that I just found."
Charlotte Wright is Director of Community Affairs for the American Red Cross, Lackawanna County Chapter. "We're stretched to the limit right now with resources responding to so many fires and other emergencies," she said knowing that the need for emergency responses can come at any time. "They're overwhelming and they're immediate. So we need to be able to get out there and help that person right now. We can't wait until the funds arrive," said Ms. Wright.
Some people mistakenly believe that the Red Cross is subsidized by the federal government. In fact, it relies solely on fundraisers and donations. The month of March is Red Cross Month. The staff hopes everyone realizes that by supporting the Red Cross, you're supporting a non-profit organization respond to disasters, boost blood supplies, teach life-saving skills and support military members and their families -- all where you live. "When you give to you local Red Cross, that stays in the local area," said Ms. Wright. "So if you give to the Lackawanna Chapter, that's going to serve people in your local communities."
No matter when an emergency strikes.
The Red Cross says some of the people they help end up becoming Red Cross volunteers. That's exactly what Rose Lopez is now -- just 5-weeks after the Red Cross helped her.
Speaking of help, a fund-raiser scheduled Wednesday is aimed at benefiting the Lackawanna Chapter of the American Red Cross. "Rockin' For The Red Cross" is happening at Hometown Heroes, 109 E. Drinker Street in Dunmore.
Buffet is Wednesday, March 24th, from 4:00 to 6:00 p. m. immediately followed by live music. Donation at the door is 10-dollars per person.. | | |
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