Save the Day campaign helps fire victims

Monday, March 8, 2010

In the past year, the Wabash Valley Red Cross responded to 139 local home fires helping more than 500 local disaster clients at a cost of almost $80,000 with emergency food, clothing, lodging, personal hygiene items, critical medications, eyeglasses and mental health support.

Jadcore Inc. and the Wabash Valley American Red Cross Chapter teamed up to kick-off the 14th annual Save the Day campaign recently. The goal is to raise at least $40,000 in 30 days to help meet the most urgent emergency needs of local families who lose their home to fires, to help provide disaster preparedness training and materials to area youth, families, the elderly and neighborhoods at risk; and to provide emergency services to area armed forces families.

The campaign includes Clay, Greene, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and Edgar County, Ill.

In Putnam County, Ginger Scott and Kathie Skeel are leading the campaign with the assistance of Ken Heeke, Cindy Schrader, Chasity Wood, Lisa Clark and Tracy Maynard.

"Proceeds of the Save the Day Campaign in Putnam County are used directly in this county for Future Fire Victims," said Putnam County Wabash Valley Red Cross board member Ginger Scott.

Families use Red Cross financial assistance to purchase what they need from the local merchants of their choice.

"Over the 2009 Red Cross fiscal year, the Red Cross responded to eight home fires in Putnam County, providing financial assistance to 30 Putnam County Residents; over 1,630 Putnam County residents enrolled in American Red Cross Preparedness and Health and Safety Courses; the Red Cross sent eight emergency messages to active duty personnel on behalf of their Putnam County families; and the Red Cross reached out to 13 members of the National Guard and Reserves and their families who reside in communities throughout Putnam County," added Scott.

The annual Save the Day Campaign helps to fortify the local chapter's response capabilities.

"Funds for our emergency services urgently need to be continuously replenished because, when disasters and emergencies occur, your local Red Cross is there. It's a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors overcome tragedy," Rod Bosley, board chair emphasized. "And the American Red Cross Congressional Charter requires that we respond regardless of the cash we may have on hand to pay the costs."

Bob Baesler of Beasler's Market chairs the 2010 campaign for the Wabash Valley.

"I am excited to be part of this critical community effort to help connect donors to those in need of a helping hand when a home fire, or a heart attack, or crisis in a local military family strikes," Baesler explained.

Zamberletti's Restaurant, Terre Haute, was the site of the campaign's kick-off reception for campaign volunteers. Jadcore Inc. has served as the lead Save the Day Campaign donor since the campaign's inception.

Over the years, Jadcore Inc. has given thousands of dollars to launch the campaign, and the local American Red Cross Chapter has turned those dollars into help and hope.

All American Red Cross disaster relief, disaster education, emergency services to armed forces families are free, made possible by the generosity of the people, corporations, foundations and United Ways in Clay, Greene, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties in Indiana and Edgar County, Ill.

To find out more about the work of the Red Cross in the Wabash Valley and the Save the Day Campaign, call Kathie Skeel at 653-6616 or Ginger Scott at 720-2236.

Contributions to Save the Day can be mailed to American Red Cross Wabash Valley Chapter Putnam County Unit, P.O. Box 793, Greencastle, IN 46135.

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