Red Cross needs more volunteers for fundraising in the Rio Rancho community

When there’s a tragedy in your neighborhood, who ya gonna call?

No, not Ghostbusters.

Probably the American Red Cross, which has been reaching out to help in times of disasters n floods, hurricanes, house fires and more n since 1881.

One if six people will be impacted during Red Cross during his/her lifetime, according to the numbers, and that accounts for a lot of people.

The Mid Rio Grande Chapter of the ARC serves more than 1.1 million people, including residents of Rio Rancho, preparing and responding to emergencies — providing relief to more than 1,200 individuals in 2007.

But as large as Rio Rancho, the state’s third-largest city, is, there aren’t many volunteers from here. And the ARC could use them now as it begins its annual Heroes for the American Red Cross fund-raising promotion.

“Heroes” captains are seeking business and individuals who will pledge to raise or give $1,000, with an overall campaign goal of $50,000. The ARC’s Mid Rio Grande Chapter for programs and services within its jurisdiction will use those funds.

One thousand dollars can go a long way in relief: ARC says “a grand” will provide 476 comfort kits containing toiletries for victims; 28 sleeping cots or 198 blankets for disaster victims; infant formula for 20 babies; shows for 50 victims; minor building kits to make two homes habitable after a disaster; plus 8,800 “Are You ready for a Tornado?” brochures.

The ARC kicked off its local “Heroes” campaign Saturday evening at Santa Ana Star Center, which is ironic when you consider the lack of volunteers and participating businesses in the Heroes campaign.

“It’s a grassroots effort,” said Cindy Adams, the ARC’s regional chief executive officer, before the Duke City kickoff Monday. “We want a lot of people to know about Red Cross.”

Carolyn Waller knows more than a little about the Red Cross; she’s been a volunteer since 1995, doing in-kind management for disasters.

Waller said she’ll never forget “sitting with a woman in Miami (after a hurricane in 1999). She had all her grandchildren with her — she may have lost her husband. It was the two of us talking about what happened.”

Waller also saw what “happened” to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.

You never get used to disaster, but the American Red Cross knows what to do regardless of the circumstances.

And that’s why this Heroes campaign is so important — nobody knows when a house fire or a flood, like the one in Hatch in 2006, will leave people without a home, either temporarily or long term.

To be a Hero, all you need to do is agree to raise and/or donate a minimum of $1,000 toward the campaign. Red Cross Heroes will receive support from the organization.

For more information, call the 265-8514 or visit www.redcrossalbq.org.