Contact: Theresa HousePublic Relations Representative
American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter
Office: 804.780.2297 § Cell: 804.396.0186
Email: houset@usa.redcross.org
http://www.greaterrichmond.redcross.org/
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2008
Red Cross youth volunteers reaching thousands with door-to-door campaign
Tomorrow is the last day of an outreach project that includes work in Oregon Hill
While many young people see summer as a time to relax by pools or work at part-time jobs, several area youth have spent much of the summer going door-to-door with lifesaving information on behalf of the American Red Cross, Greater Richmond Chapter.
According to the students, the work is rewarding because they know they are saving lives. Many times their visits reach people who need the information, but because of social or economic challenges, have not had the opportunities to learn.
Wednesday, July 30 marks the end of the month-long project that has brought the students into the homes of nearly 7,000 Richmond area residents. The students will leave the Greater Richmond Chapter at 9 a.m. for Oregon Hill where they will spend several hours visiting at least 100 homes. The Oregon Hill Neighborhood Association is working with the Red Cross to ensure successful visits.
“Our goal is to cause people to think about what they need to do and then act,” said Penny Phonesavanh, a Virginia Commonwealth University student who has coordinated the project. “Usually people know how to prepare, but wait before acting.”
The students have reached many people, mostly being Hispanic, who speak little or no English. That can create challenges, but many of the students are fluent in Spanish so they work in pairs and whenever possible. They also carry brochures in Spanish that are left with the residents.The youth discuss issues such as smoke detectors, disaster action plans and how to create a disaster kit that includes items such as bottled water, food and other needs if a disaster should strike.
This is the second year the chapter has sponsored the project, having reached more than 15,000 people.
“It is inspiring to watch these young people put their hearts into helping, and the number of lives they will save will never be known,” said Reggie Gordon, Greater Richmond Chapter CEO.
This year’s group included 12 students from area high schools who participated in the Summer Institute for Leadership and Public Service sponsored by St. Christopher’s School.
Posted by wcoates 
