Payson Roundup

The Grand Canyon Chapter of the American Red Cross is celebrating Red Cross Month during March. Efforts are focused on raising awareness about preparedness and recruiting new volunteers, as well as blood and financial donors.

To celebrate the month, local Red Cross volunteers are hosting a variety show to raise money following the winter storms. The show starts at 6 p.m. March 11 in Payson High School auditorium.

“This is an opportunity to educate Arizonans about Red Cross,” said Cara Sloman, Grand Canyon Chapter emergency services director. “Most people know our volunteers respond when there’s a huge wildfire or tornado, but most people don’t know we help families pick up the pieces every single day after a house or an apartment fire.”

In January, the local Red Cross helped hundreds of Arizonans during one of the state’s worst disasters in nearly two decades. At the peak of the response, the Red Cross opened 11 shelters with more than 300 residents.

“One-hundred and forty five Red Cross volunteers stopped what they were doing to make sure people who were evacuated and rescued had a safe place to sleep, food and emotional support,” said Bill Epps, Grand Canyon Chapter chief executive officer. “Our ability to respond is only as strong as the people we have.”

Volunteering for the Red Cross is only one way Arizonans can help. Financial and blood donors ensure the Red Cross will be there when Arizona needs it most.