I serve on the American Red Cross Advisory Council in Fairfield County. As chairman of the Heroes Campaign, I am sending this letter to let you know how valuable the American Red Cross is to our county and to ask for your help.
• For the 2013-2014 year, 51 people were affected by a crisis/need in Fairfield County at a cost of $11,533 to the Red Cross. Some of those affected may have been someone you know.
• A local Red Cross disaster volunteer responded to 16 home fires in Fairfield County and provided emergency assistance in the form of lodging, food, clothing, toiletries, life-sustaining medications and other immediate needs.
• Disasters can affect anyone, and the Red Cross is there to help when disasters strike.
• Red Cross is NOT a government agency. It depends 100% on donations from people like you.
• 91 cents of every dollar donated to the American Red Cross is invested in humanitarian services in Fairfield County as well as across the nation.
While contributions are so very important, there are other ways that you can help as well.
• Donate blood at one of the Red Cross Blood Drives. There are ARC Blood drives held in Fairfield County at First United Methodist Church, Fairfield Memorial Hospital, and local high schools. These are usually promoted within the community.
• Participate in the ARC Spaghetti Lunch/Dinner fundraiser to be held on Thursday, March 19 from 11 a.m. to1:30 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. (delivery available during lunch hours for five or more meals) at First Church of The Nazarene, 650 9th St., Winnsboro. Tickets are $8 and can be purchased from any Board Member, 1st Citizen’s Drive-through, or at the door. Desserts available for $1 extra.
• Ask your church to donate a minimum of $1 per member to the Red Cross during March which is American Red Cross Month. We send money to foreign missions but this is a mission project that is close to home.
• And finally, make a personal monetary donation to the Heroes Campaign. Checks should be made payable to “Fairfield County Unit of the ARC” and sent to PO Box 314, Winnsboro, S.C. 29180.
Barbara Martin
Chairman of the ARC Heroes Campaign
Winnsboro