Watertown— “March is Red Cross month. This means we celebrate all that we do from blood services to emergency disaster, youth clubs, and education programs,” said Jane Gendron, Chapter Executive for the Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. “It is a chance to promote the Red Cross and how we assist the citizens from the communities we serve.”
According to Ms. Gendron, the Red Cross served over 12 million meals from when Super Storm Sandy hit the New Jersey and surrounding areas. The Red Cross sheltered well over 100,000 people, also providing emotional and mental health to those impacted by Sandy.
“Jefferson and surrounding counties tend to deal with house fires, primarily during winter months” said Gendron, “the Red Cross handles at least one house fire per week.” Through the winter and throughout the year, the local Red Cross provided financial aid for individuals unable to return home because of an emergency such as a fire. “We’ve put people in hotels and given out debit cards to help people financially get back on their feet.”
The American Red Cross celebrates and honors all the volunteers that have been able to provide services needed in times of crisis and emergency disaster situations. Locally, the North Country Red Cross chapter has helped 161 people, a total of $47,000 in financial assistance.
