Red Cross Stays Busy in Sumter

Written by: Nancy Cataldo, Executive Director, American Red Cross, Sandhills Chapter

Yesterday, the Sandhills Chapter of the American Red Cross was very busy helping members of the community recover after a home fire, as well as practicing for future hurricane responses.

Red Cross volunteer, Steve Shumake, responded to a fire that completely destroyed a home in Sumter.  In total, he assisted a family of four including a nine year-old child. He provided the family financial assistance to purchase food and clothing lost in the fire, as well as temporary lodging and referrals to local agencies.

One adult suffered severe burns and was flown to the August Burn Center in Georgia.  We have been in contact with the Augusta Chapter of the Red Cross to check on the client in the hospital and get updates on his condition. We will continue to be there for this family on their road to recovery.

Yesterday we were also busy participating in a State Hurricane Exercise in Clarendon County.  The exercise involved a shelter opening at Manning High School as a result of a hurricane evacuation. Red Cross staff and volunteers partnered with South Carolina Emergency Management and the Department of Social Services (DSS) to open the shelter and provide services to the individuals that registered. We also had a volunteer that staffed the Clarendon Emergency Operations Center.

As part of the day, the Red Cross trained 42 DSS workers in Shelter Operations and 12 people participated in our Shelter Simulation class. Our partners at McDonald’s in Manning provided the lunch and Clarendon School District 2 provided snacks and drinks to all participants.

As you can see yesterday was a busy day.  We were able to help a family in their darkest hour and also prepare to help our community in the event of a large disaster because of you. Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for giving their time and to our financial donors for supporting our mission each and every day.

Tognum America helps make 7th annual Heroes Jr. Golf Outing a huge success!

The American Red Cross Aiken Area Chapter would like to thank Tognum America for becoming a Super Hero for the American Red Cross.  For the second year in a row, Tognum America graciously offered to be a Presenting Sponsor of the 7^th annual Heroes Jr. Golf Outing that was held at Houndslake Country Club on Memorial Day.

With the help of Tognum America, the Aiken Area Chapter raised $41,825 to support Red Cross programs and services!

The annual Heroes Jr. Golf Outing, open to middle and high school-aged players, was coordinated by the local Red Cross Board Chairman, Don Cheeks, and board member, Annie Reagan. During the Outing, kids enjoyed a round of golf, lunch, dinner, Bruster’s Real Ice Cream and an awards ceremony with prizes.

The Red Cross relies on financial donations to support important programs in our community like disaster relief.  After a disaster, the Red Cross meets the immediate needs that families have for temporary shelter, food, clothing and mental health services. Since the beginning of its fiscal year, the Aiken Area Chapter alone has responded to the needs of 95 families, helping 334 adults and children.  On average, it costs $1,250 to assist a family of four following a disaster.

The mission of the Red Cross is made possible through the generosity of our volunteers and financial supporters like Tognum America.  To learn more about how you can support the Red Cross, please visit Redcross.org/Aiken-Area or call the Aiken Area Chapter at (803) 641-4152.