March Is Red Cross Month in the Greater Lehigh Valley and Across the Country

March Is Red Cross Month in the Greater Lehigh Valley and Across the Country

News Release: February 21, 2002
Contact: Janice Osborne, Manager-Media & Community Affairs (610) 865-4400, ext. 262

March Is Red Cross Month and the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley is celebrating by holding a number of local activities. These activities are part of an effort to recognize everyone who has helped the community, to raise awareness of the lifesaving services the Red Cross provides and to encourage people to become actively involved in furthering the humanitarian mission of the American Red Cross.

"The Red Cross is about saving lives," said John Hughes, executive director. "We help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. For 85 years, the American Red Cross has been touching the lives of greater Lehigh Valley residents through its disaster relief efforts, health and safety courses and other initiatives.

"As we celebrate Red Cross Month, it is fitting to honor the many individuals and institutions who have joined us this year. Through the efforts of more than 450 dedicated volunteers who lend their time to helping their neighbors and the thousands of people who have made generous financial contributions, your American Red Cross makes a lifesaving difference for thousands of people in our community."

Since July, 892 individuals received comfort and immediate assistance -- shelter, food, clothing, shoes -- when they were driven from their homes by local disasters, added Hughes. Last year, more than 15,700 people turned to Red Cross Health and Safety Services to learn lifesaving skills in first aid, CPR, water safety, HIV/AIDS prevention education and much more.

"Given the unprecedented events of the past year, it's especially important to recognize the thousands of area residents who gave so generously to help those affected by the events of Sept. 11," said Hughes. "In addition, we pay special tribute to our local Red Cross volunteers who have reached out to communities in western Pennsylvania and New York City. Ten Lehigh Valley Red Cross volunteers answered the call for help during this nation's largest disaster. And more volunteers are waiting to be called to serve. I can't say enough about these outstanding individuals."

President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared March 1943 to be Red Cross Month. Every year since, each American president has issued a similar proclamation, stating the contributions of the American Red Cross to the United States. President George W. Bush is expected to issue his proclamation in support of the Red Cross in the next few days.

In a special video thank you to American Red Cross employees and volunteers, President Bush commended Red Cross for its efforts during the attacks of Sept. 11. "No organization has done more to channel the American spirit than the American Red Cross," said Bush, referring to the events of Sept. 11. "The American Red Cross did more than give help -- they gave hope. Your [American Red Cross] good work helped comfort our citizens and helped inspire our nation."

The following Red Cross community activities will be held to commemorate March is Red Cross Month:

· March 1 - Red Cross flag-raising ceremony to be held at noon at the Carbon County Courthouse in Jim Thorpe. Randy Smith, Carbon County administrator, will host the event; the public is invited.

· March 2 - Save-A-Life Saturday, a free CPR training class to be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sacred Heart Hospital Second Floor Conference Center, Fourth and Chew streets, Allentown. The class is free, but pre-registration is required by calling the Red Cross at (610) 865-4400, ext. 247. Class size is limited. More than 25 Red Cross-trained volunteer instructors will teach participants how to recognize and properly care for life-threatening respiratory and cardiac emergencies for adults. Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. and Sacred Heart Hospital are co-sponsors of the event.

· March 22 - Red Cross Affair 2002 fund-raising event to be held at the Dinosaurs Alive II! site at the JBN building in Bethlehem from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The theme is "Red and White & Blue too! Celebrating the Spirit of the American Red Cross in the Greater Lehigh Valley." Honorary co-chairpersons are Bill and Peggy Hecht. Cuisine is compliments of Wegmans. Entertainment to be provided by CoverStory. Attire is business casual. Admission is $75 per person. Proceeds to benefit programs and services of the local Red Cross.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves more than 660,000 residents in Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training and emergency relief services to more than 15,700 Lehigh Valley residents.

For more information about your local Red Cross, visit www.redcrosslv.org.