Red Cross unit gears up for fundraiser

To members of the American Red Cross Wabash Valley Chapter Putnam County Unit, a hero can be anybody.

A hero can be the soldier serving in the war in Iraq or it could be that person who helps a child retrieve a cat from the tree.

And the local unit wants to honor all of these heros.

Beginning Monday, the local unit will conduct a fundraiser to honor local heros in any capacity. The fundraiser will conclude on March 31.

"Our hope is to not only recognize special folks in our lives, but to raise funds and provide services for Putnam County residents in a time of disaster," local unit chairperson and leadership council member Ginger Scott told the BannerGraphic Thursday. "A hero can mean whatever it means to (any individual)."

Scott said there are many benefits to the "My Red Cross Hero" fundraiser. For example, with a pledge of $10, the donor can contribute a name of any single person or organization as a hero.

In return, the donor will receive a Red Cross decal, sponsored by Tri County Bank and Trust and Autumn Glen Senior Communities.

With a pledge of $25, a donor can contribute the name of a single person or organization as a hero and a card will be sent to the honoree.

"This is our individual campaign we're trying to launch," local unit community development director Christine Klinger said.

Scott said "My Red Cross Hero" forms will be available at the local Red Cross office, Tri County Bank and Trust, Autumn Glen and at Wabash Capital Inc.

For more information, call the Wabash Valley Chapter Putnam County Unit at 653-4614.

The Wabash Valley Chapter serves Clay, Greene, Parke, Putnam, Sullivan, Vermillion and Vigo counties.