Red Cross begins ‘Hero’ campaign

By MEGHAN DURBAK
Tribune staff writer

February 24, 2008 10:46 pm

— The Howard-Tipton Red Cross spent $320,337 in 2007 assisting families in need.
“Disaster relief is huge around here,” said Lisa Schoenradt, operations director of the local Red Cross branch.
Yet few people associate the Red Cross with this assistance, said Charity Armstrong, the board chairman of the Howard-Tipton Chapter.
“Most people associate the Red Cross with blood,” she said.
The Red Cross provides disaster relief, Armed Forces emergency services and health, safety and preparedness training in addition to blood services. Most services are provided free of charge.
To cover its expenses, the Red Cross kicked off its “Be a Hero for the American Red Cross” March campaign on Thursday. The goal for 2008 is $40,000.
To raise funding, the Red Cross is hosting a few charitable events, including Longaberger Bingo, hosted on Tuesday at Ivy Tech Community College, and a gospel concert at Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church. The group is also asking businesses to give donations or sponsor fundraisers such as a dress-down day, auctions and bake sales.
Aside from disaster relief, Schoenradt shared details about the Armed Forces emergency services. The American Red Cross keeps a line of communication with servicemen, many of whom are overseas.
The Red Cross will contact these men and women in emergency situations such as a baby’s birth or a loved one coming down with an illness or passing away, she said. They also inform families of any health issues of their servicemen.
There are local blood services, Armstrong said. The blood collected is distributed at Howard Regional Health System and St. Joseph Hospital.

Red Cross benefits:
Longaberger Bingo is Tuesday at Ivy Tech Community College: Alumni Hall, 1815 E. Morgan St. Event begins at 6 p.m. Packs are $15 and extra packs are $5. The Gospel Concert is at 6 p.m. Saturday in Mount Pisgah Missionary Baptist Church, 1599 E. Sycamore St. All proceeds and donations benefit the local Red Cross. Donations can be sent to the Howard-Tipton Chapter at 210 W. Walnut St., Suite 120, Kokomo, IN 46901. For more information, call (765) 459-4162 or 675-2486.