Red Cross Month marks time to aid those in need

Date: 3/7/2011

SPRINGFIELD — March is Red Cross Month, a time to herald the enduring spirit of the American Red Cross — channeled through an extended family of volunteers, donors, partners and employees who help to fulfill the humanitarian mission of the Red Cross. The Pioneer Valley Chapter is very grateful to all those who have donated their time, money, and effort in our endless battle to help those in need.

Red Cross Month is a time to celebrate volunteers and donors and it is also a time to raise funds to support the many services provided by the Red Cross. During Red Cross Month, the Pioneer Valley Chapter will host, and participate in, several fundraising and outreach activities designed to engage the community as well as promote philanthropy and humanitarianism. Events include the ninth annual Hometown Heroes Breakfast, presented by Columbia Gas of Massachusetts on March 17; participation in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Holyoke on March 20; disaster volunteer trainings, community outreach, and ongoing health and safety classes.

The first of the month marked the start of the chapter's newest campaign, "I'm a Hero for Red Cross." Local businesses will participate in the campaign by offering their customers the opportunity to donate $1 to the Red Cross. Each person who donates $1 to the campaign will receive a "hero tag" on which to sign his or her name. The "hero tags" will then be displayed at the business for the duration of the campaign.

The "I'm a Hero for Red Cross" campaign will run through-out the month. Participating businesses include: Louis and Clark Drug Stores (all locations); Dave's Soda and Pet City (all locations); Jake's Wayback Burgers, 1375 Carew St., Springfield; Jeffrey's Suit Rack, 287 East St., Ludlow; Competitive Edge Ski and Bike, 612 North Main St., East Long-meadow; Chocolate Works, 446 North Main St., East Longmeadow; Visual Changes, 35 Harkness Ave., East Longmeadow; Newman Sewing Machine, 201 Westfield St., West Springfield; and Brightwood Hardware, 794 Williams St., Longmeadow.

For more information, visit www.redcrosscwm.org or call 737-4306 ext. 1917.