Red Cross facing emergency shortage
Immediately following the Sept. 11 attacks people were willing to pull out their wallets and roll up their sleeves in aid of fellow Americans. The Red Cross, the recipient of much of the benevolence, had to turn potential blood donors away. That is rarely the case. The agency for the most part runs on a shoestring of funds, nearly depleting its treasury and building it back up in time to rush to the next disaster. Its second task is to keep the nation supplied with blood through its many blood drives. Levels of this life-sustainig commodity often plummet during the winter when nasty weather, flus and colds keep donors away.
It’s a difficult challenge when either money or blood supplies run short. It’s daunting when both dip precariously low at the same time. That is the position the American Red Cross of Fayette County currently finds itself. It is turning to the community for help.
We urge you to do what you can. For the most part the Red Cross works behind the scene. Recently we have published stories of how Red Cross workers volunteered many hours to help residents of the Heritage Apartments who were displaced when fire damaged the third floor of the building. But usually once the firefighters leave, the Red Cross steps in and few publically acknowledge the help. Since October 85 people, displaced from their homes because of fires, have leaned on the Red Cross for assistance.
It takes money to feed, shelter and clothe families even for just a few days. The fund is nearly depleted. This is where you can make a difference by pulling out the checkbook and sending even a small amount to the Red Cross of Fayette County, 108 Morgantown St., Uniontown, 15401. The agency wants to raise about $45,000 by the end of March. If each of our readers sent in just a dollar, it would go a long way toward meeting that goal.
If you are short on cash but still want to help, consider dropping by one of the planned blood drives (call 724-438-2567 for a listing). Ideally, the Red Cross prefers to keep a five-day supply on hand, it is down to about two days.
If levels continue to drop, surgeries might be postponed. This is something that can be avoided if we all recapture that spirit of wanting to help our fellow citizens.