American Red Cross to Unveil New Disaster Response Vehicle and Trailer at
Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
News Release: July 20, 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

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley will be hosting a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony to unveil a new disaster response vehicle and trailer at 2 p.m. on Aug. 13, 2009, at the chapter's Disaster Operations Center, located at 2200 Avenue A in Bethlehem.
"After a recent disaster exercise and evaluation by national Red Cross officials, we realized that a second disaster response vehicle and the addition of a trailer with cots were necessary in order to more effectively serve the 1,113-square-mile area we cover," said John Hughes, executive director. "In the event of a disaster of a larger magnitude, we will be able to respond more quickly to open shelters."

The Red Cross extends an invitation to the greater Lehigh Valley community to join in the celebration. All guests will have an opportunity to tour the vehicle and Disaster Operations Center and speak with Disaster Services volunteers. Light refreshments will be provided.

Funding for the new disaster response vehicle and trailer was made possible by a number of state legislators and funders. The vehicle was financed in part by a $55,000 grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development through Senators Lisa Boscola and Pat Browne; and Representatives Craig Dally, Julie Harhart, Jennifer Mann, Doug Reichley and Steve Samuelson. The Harry C. Trexler Trust also provided funding for the vehicle. The trailer, which houses 250 cots and blankets, was purchased with a $7,500 grant from The Century Fund.

Hughes, along with Chairman of the Board Joe Lennert and other dignitaries, will speak during the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony, offering thanks and appreciation to funders and Red Cross disaster volunteers.

"We want to show our grateful appreciation to our donors who made this possible," said Hughes.

Anyone interested in attending should contact Ana Vega at 610-865-4400, ext. 261 or VegaA@usa.redcross.org by Aug. 7, 2009.

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.