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Local Red Cross Getting Some Unexpected Help
May 22, 2009
By Jason Niblett, newseditor@laurelleadercall.com
January 30, 2009 12:14 pm
— The American Red Cross Pine Belt Chapter got some unexpected help from a local business this week.
Teaming up with Citizens National Bank, the local chapter will be able to reach out through media campaigns and displays at the local bank. Red Cross chapters in other communities in Mississippi where there is a Citizens National Bank are also offered the same opportunity.
Part of the bank’s community partners program, the entire chain selects a non-profit group each quarter. Instead of spending a great deal of money advertising the bank and its services, advertising dollars are offered to the non-profits. Agencies and non-profits previously assisted include The Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, and Habitat for Humanity.
Besides the donated advertising time, each branch will also feature information about the Red Cross.
“We’re excited about this partnership,” Citizens National Bank President Hayden Mitchell said. “Tornado season is right around the corner and it won’t be long before we’re looking in the Gulf.”
American Red Cross Pine Belt Chapter volunteer Susan B. Vincent expressed appreciation to the bank before offering local statistics. Vincent said that during Fiscal Year 2008, the local chapter served 135 house fire families, trained 5,121 people in 502 classes ranging from CPR and swimming to disaster preparation, assisted 114 U. S. service members and veterans, and donated 657 food boxes around the Christmas season. She also said more than $31,000 has gone to help people with utilities.
“Knowing the Red Cross is here and ready to help the community is why we’re here,” Vincent said. “I have found out we (Pine Belt Chapter) are self-sufficient and we have to raise money here. The money is raised here and it’s spent here.”
Laurel bank manager Susan Wood pointed out a Citizens National Bank employee who received Red Cross assistance after her home was struck by a tornado.
“We were one of seven houses hit by the tornado, and the rest were family,” Regina Evans said. “We had three hot meals a day. All I can say is that’s the best chicken I’ve ever eaten.”
“It really means a lot when you see that truck (Emergency Response Vehicle) coming down the road,” Wood said.
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