Dear Editor:

Across the United States, March is recognized as American Red Cross Month. As one of the nation’s best known humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross has been at the forefront of helping Americans prevent, prepare for and respond to large and small disasters for 127 years. Communities depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of the American people to achieve its mission.

This year the Red Cross is taking time in March to focus on the volunteers and employees who demonstrate such compassion and generosity by supporting the Red Cross in Covington County and around the country. As one of more than 700 chapters and blood regions across the country, we rely on these everyday heroes to give their time and talents to help others through CPR, first aid and automated external defibrillator training, to coordinate blood drives, or make financial donations.

In the past year alone, the Covington County chapter responded to more than 50 local emergencies, assisted 40 military families and trained 653 people in lifesaving skills. Across this community, the Red Cross is an organization people can rely on for help, comfort, assistance and compassion. On behalf of the Covington County chapter, I thank you for your support to help us continue our service to those in who need us, every day.

Tari McClung

chapter chairman