The local chapter of the American Red Cross is approaching its goal in the grassroots “Heroes” campaign. Officials hope weekend fund drives will push them over the edge.
The Northeast Chapter of the Mississippi Red Cross teamed up with Columbus Fire and Rescue to kick off their “boot drive” at the Columbus Walmart last Saturday. Firefighters lined their boots up on a table and invited shoppers to drop money inside to benefit the Red Cross.
They will be at Walmart again for the next two Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Red Cross began the 12-week “Heroes” campaign in March. About $42,000 of the agency’s $50,000 goal has been raised, Perneatha Evans, office coordinator for the local Red Cross chapter, said Thursday.
Funds will be used to assist disaster victims and others in need of help.
Evans pointed to hurricane season as a prime example of when the Red Cross is often called to action.
The Atlantic hurricane season — which encompasses the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea — begins today and ends Nov. 30. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season began May 15.
Though the Red Cross is well-known for its white trucks on scene after disasters, the charity also offers international humanitarian aid, help for military members and their families and first aid and disaster preparedness training.
Evans noted monetary donations from the boot drive will be used for Mississippi residents.
Red Cross statistics indicate the agency responded to nearly 70,000 disasters across the nation last year. In North Mississippi, it responded to more than 400 local emergencies.
Carmen K. Sisson is the former news editor at The Dispatch.
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