As Lee County Red Cross volunteers and staff worked closely with the community to support relief efforts in Haiti last month, nearly all the programs and services of the local chapter saw an increase in demand.

In relation to the situation in Haiti, more disaster training courses were taken in January (299) than in any other month on record. This increase can largely be attributed to an influx of local individuals looking to contribute in future disasters after watching the massive Red Cross relief effort in Haiti. Disaster Services training is critical to our mission. The Lee County chapter has deployed two volunteers to the USNS Comfort medical ship currently aiding the people of Haiti, six volunteers helped repatriation efforts in Orlando and Miami and one volunteer recently returned from participating in flood relief efforts in Arizona.

Service to the Armed Forces continued its upward trend in service delivery. The Red Cross sponsored Veteran Family Support Group at Perkins Family Restaurant had 30 veterans and family attend, the largest turn out since its inception nearly a year ago. Aid to military families increased from 20 families in 2008 to 80 families in 2010.

Also increasing in January were the number of participants in Health and Safety courses such as CPR and First Aid. The department saw a 21% increase in community class registrations compared to January 2009. This increasing trend has led Health and Safety to add additional course offerings at the chapter. Many participants have taken advantage of an increase in review courses, which save time and money for those previously certified in life-saving skills.

The incredible generosity of the Lee County community continues to be demonstrated through donations to the Haiti relief effort (over $140,000 collected locally with 100% forwarded on). Still, the need to support the local chapter’s programs and services is now more important than ever. The Lee County Red Cross is not a governmental organization and relies on the volunteer time and financial support of our residents. For 93 years, the Lee County Red Cross has helped changed countless lives in this community through its programs and services. If you would like to donate time or money, please contact the chapter at 239-278-3401 or visit arclcc.org.

The Red Cross is dedicated to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the world. It provides training in life-saving skills and mobilizes relief to victims of disasters in addition to assisting members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their families. For additional information about the Red Cross and the assistance it provides, making donations, registering for a class or volunteering, call 278-3401, or log on to arclcc.org. The American Red Cross of Lee County is a proud member of the United Way of Lee County.

Source: American Red Cross of Lee County