By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Local events planned for Red Cross Month
Red Cross Month Web
Mary Ball, executive director of the Bulloch County Chapter of the American Red Cross, is shown in this file photo from 2007 pulling out T-shirts froe Dress Down Day, which is part of Red Cross Month in March. - photo by Special
    March is National American Red Cross Month and the Bulloch County chapter has several community events and classes planned that will happen throughout the month.
    Mary Ball, director of the Bulloch County chapter of the American Red Cross, said Red Cross Month is designed to spread the word about the ARC.
    ""We're really trying to promote the services we provide and trying to give the community the opportunity to come out and receive some low cost or free training," said Ball.
    There will be two events at the end of the month to raise money for the local chapter of the Red Cross. March 28 is Bulloch County Dress Down Day for Disaster. The chapter will be selling t-shirts the community can wear to work or school in order to raise money to replenish the local disaster fund. William-James Middle School student Connor Fordham created the design displayed on the back of the shirt. Shirts are on sale for $10.
    Ball said the disaster fund has been depleted recently due to an increase in need from disaster victims.
    "We've had more fires in the last three months than we've anticipated, so funds for disaster relief are quite depleted," said Ball. "Dress Down Day is strictly for the disaster fund and we appreciate any support from the community."
    The night of March 28, Midtown Cafe, in conjunction with Do Good DJs, will host a Fun Night fundraising event for the Red Cross. For $10, there will be hors d'oevres, music and fun with the proceeds going to the American Red Cross.
    In the disaster training category, the local Red Cross has two classes planned. The HAM radio training will teach those interested in learning more about amateur radio and how it can be used to help in the event of a emergency. The shelter operations class will discuss how to run an emergency shelter should the need arise.
    In health and safety, the Red Cross will be offering four CPR and first aid classes. One adult CPR class, offered March 1 at the Statesboro Primitive Baptist Church will free to the public. The other classes - another adult CPR, child & infant CPR and standard first aid - have a small course fee. Contact the Red Cross for registration and fee information at 912-764-4468.
    Ball will be resigning as director in the middle of March and will be taking a position with the Crohn's Disease Foundation in Atlanta. She said her father has Crohn's and she seen first hand the debilitating effects of the disease.
    "I love the Red Cross and will always volunteer for the Red Cross, but I feel I have to direct all my energies to finding a cure for Crohn's," said Ball.
    "I'll always love Statesboro and of course will be back for Eagle football."
Sign up for the Herald's free e-newsletter