Payson Roundup

When a disaster strikes, like the recent flooding in Tonto Basin and Gisela, Red Cross volunteers are some of the first responders, offering devastated families a warm place to stay, a hot meal and, most importantly, support.

With March recognized by the Payson Town Council as the official Red Cross Month, now is the time to offer thanks to Red Cross volunteers. While many of us may not have needed their assistance, we never know when disaster will strike.

“Our local Red Cross volunteers are about neighbors helping neighbors,” said volunteer Kathleen Kelly. “Recently, our local Red Cross volunteers provided relief to victims of the winter storms and flooding from Strawberry to the Tonto Basin.

“Regardless of how remote a home is, team members respond to any disaster to offer immediate emergency relief.”

However, the Red Cross needs donations to keep the organization strong.

On March 11, attend the first Payson Cares Red Cross Benefit to show how Payson cares for its own, Kelly said.

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. in the Payson High School auditorium with several raffles.

Ace Hardware, Backstage Studios, Git a Rope Trading Company, the Beverage Place, the Boutique, the Carpenter’s Wife, Home Depot, Mazatzal Hotel and Casino, Payson Candle Factory, Plant Fair Nursery, Post Net, Radio Shack, Rim Sight and Sound, the Tonto Apache Tribe, Western Village and the PHS culinary class have all donated treasures. All proceeds will benefit the Red Cross.

At 7 p.m., the main event kicks off with the Home Town Country Radio Show.

The Humor Me Comedy Troupe, Junction 87, Hashknife Pony Express, Southern Comfort, Rockin’ Ron Gibson Band, Section 8 and Jim West will all perform.

In addition, the Red Cross will have its emergency response vehicle on site to illustrate how they set up for a disaster, the Payson Fire Department will bring a fire engine to show how they are part of the Red Cross response team, the Color Guard and Boy Scouts will be in attendance.