American Red Cross Launches First Annual 'Heroes for the American Red Cross Campaign' in Carbon County
News Release: February 13, 2009
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing; American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley (610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein to Lead Campaign

From March 2 to 23, the American Red Cross will conduct its first annual Heroes for the American Red Cross campaign under the leadership of Carbon County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein.

Heroes for the American Red Cross is a grassroots campaign in which school groups, faith-based groups, civic clubs, local business people, and individuals pledge to raise $500 through any legal means they choose for the local Red Cross. Fund-raising ideas may include high school service clubs holding a dance-a-thon, faith-based groups holding a yard sale or bake sale, or companies holding "dress-down days."

" 'Heroes' is an easy and fun way for our community to take part in helping to raise funds for the Red Cross," said John R. Hughes, executive director of the local Red Cross. "Under Wayne's leadership, I'm confident that this first annual campaign will be a huge success."

"The Red Cross has served this county for more than 90 years. Compassionate Red Cross volunteers are in our community every day collecting blood, providing lifesaving classes such as first aid and CPR, and providing families with much-needed assistance such as clothes or a place to stay following a fire or other disaster," said Nothstein. "I am honored to lead this campaign for our community and hope that all of us can do our county proud by becoming a hero or supporting a hero."

All "Heroes" who register by Feb. 26 will have their photo, name or logo included in an ad sponsored by The Times News. All "Heroes" are invited to a kick-off breakfast and celebration wrap-up luncheon.

To become a "Hero" or for more information, call the Red Cross at 610-865-4400 or register online at www.redcrosslv.org.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves nearly 690,000 residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross provided health and safety education training; Lifeline, a personal response service for seniors; and emergency relief to more than 24,000 greater Lehigh Valley residents. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.