Local Red Cross Lists Ways

You Can Help

DANBURY — Since last Tuesday’s tragic events at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, the local American Red Cross chapter in Danbury has been deluged with calls from area residents who want to do something to help.

“What the Red Cross needs now, more than anything, are donations of money and volunteer time,” said Julianne Reppenhagen, manager of the Red Cross’s Western Connecticut Chapter, headquartered at 2 Terrace Place. “People here in Connecticut as well as across the country are donating blood in record numbers, but our blood needs are ongoing. For those who would like to donate blood, we need you to support the upcoming blood drives in your communities.”

“There’s been a tremendous outpouring of support from the community,” said Mike Malone, the chapter’s director of development. “Scout troops, schools, West Conn, churches, restaurants, and businesses throughout the Greater Danbury, New Milford Branch, and Northwest Corner areas are planning fundraising events. We’re still coordinating these events and are asking folks to register them with us.”

Across the country, the American Red Cross mobilized immediately to help meet the needs of all those affected by this nationwide emergency, providing immediate disaster mass care (food, shelter, clothing), mental health support, and blood.  The Red Cross is designated by Congress and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the official civilian response agency for domestic disasters.

A variety of services are being provided to victims’ families to help them cope with the aftermath of the tragedy. In additional to meeting their immediate needs, the Red Cross will continue to provide a number of services as needed to help victims and their families in the difficult days ahead, including bereavement support and financial assistance.

The Red Cross has also been providing food and supplies to emergency workers at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

Area residents can help these efforts in several ways:

*Make a donation. All American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To help the victims of this and other disasters, contributions can be made to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by contacting: The Western Connecticut Chapter at 2 Terrace Place, Danbury, CT 06810; 792-8200, or the New Milford Branch, Box 56, New Milford, CT 06776; 860-354-3415. Donors may also call 800-HELP-NOW or 800-257-7575 (Spanish). Internet users can make a secure online credit card contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

*Give blood. Donors who wish to give blood to replenish the nation’s blood supply are encouraged to call 800-GIVE-LIFE to make an appointment. To make an online appointment, visit www.bloodct.org/apptreq.htm

*Volunteer your time. The local chapter needs volunteers to assist with a variety of efforts, from assisting with fund-raising events and blood drives to clerical help at the chapter’s office.  To volunteer, call the chapter’s headquarters at 792-8200.