Local American Red Cross chapters receive grants
Various programs for youth and the elderly receive a much-needed boost
ROCHESTER, N.Y., Thursday, June 23, 2011—Four local chapters from the Finger Lakes Region of the American Red Cross have been awarded grants from the Masonic Service Bureau of Greater Rochester. The Awards Ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 22 at the Masonic Service Bureau Headquarters in Webster NY. Finger Lakes Region Major Gifts Officer Melanie Barnas-Simmons was on hand to accept the awards on behalf of the four Red Cross chapters.
American Red Cross Chapters awarded grants include: the Wayne County Chapter in Newark; the Northern Livingston County Chapter in Geneseo; The Clara Barton Chapter #1 in Dansville; and the Yates County Chapter in Penn Yan. Each Chapter received $300.
The Wayne County Chapter will use the funds to provide scholarships for 20 free “I’m in Charge” classes. This unique American Red Cross course teaches children who are home alone the importance of behaving responsibly and how to handle themselves when confronted with a challenge. Topics include first aid, what to do when a stranger comes to the door, telephone tips, and how to react during a power outage. The class is geared toward children ages 8–12.
The Northern Livingston County Chapter will use the funds for the Motor Corps Service. The chapter will be able to provide about 25 free rides to the elderly or infirmed who need transportation to and from doctor and hospital appointments.
The Clara Barton Chapter #1 will use the funds to repair existing equipment and to purchase new equipment for its medical loan closet.
The Yates County Chapter, which received a $350 grant, will use the funds to provide a scholarship for a low-income student in their water safety instructor program.
“These grants will help our Red Cross Chapters in the rural areas of the Finger Lakes Region provide services that the community has come to depend on,” says Barnas-Simmons. “We are grateful to the Masonic Service Bureau for supporting Red Cross programs that assist young people, the elderly, and infirmed.”
Charles Waterstreet, Executive Director of the Greater Rochester Masonic Service Bureau adds, “We are pleased to help the American Red Cross chapters provide services that will have such a positive effect on the community. We know these grants will be helping to improve the lives of people all over the Finger Lakes Region.”
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission. For more information, please visit http://www.redcross.org or contact your local chapter.