Pocono News Section

National Red Cross Month

National Red Cross Month - Thursday, March 5, 2009 at 5:23PM EST

STROUDSBURG, MONROE COUNTY- As National Red Cross Month begins, local chapters are preparing their annual fund raising campaigns.
In the past week fires have left seven Monroe County families homeless. The Red Cross has helped all of them. Martha LaBar said, "Our mission is to be here when people need us."

Labar is the Executive Director of the Monroe County Red Cross. She tells us - the organization helped all six families find shelter, food and clothes. “It cost an average of about 1,200 dollars for a family of four," said LaBar.

The Red Cross isn't only there for the community after a disaster, they can also help you prepare before something happens. For example, using things like this to teach you CPR.

All of the services and disaster programs cost money. The organization spends about $120,000 a year on disaster services alone. Monroe County Commissioner Suzanne McCool said, "I feel that they're the unsung heroes in our county."

The Monroe County Commissioners will honor the Red Cross with a special proclamation next week. "Oh! It's so exciting to have the Commissioners support the American Red Cross here in Monroe County," said LaBar.

They have the commissioners’ support - now Red Cross members hope they can gain community support for much needed fundraising. Their annual donation requests are in the mail. "We appreciate large and small contributions equally," added LaBar.

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