High Point High School Sophomore, Marissa Mayers, and her mother Debbie read with dismay a recent NJ Herald article about how the Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross is facing a financial crisis so severe that it may be forced to close its doors if unable to raise additional funds.  At the same time, Marissa was thinking about her school’s requirement for her to do 20 hours of community service prior to graduation.  “What better way to serve the community than to raise money for your local Red Cross Chapter, said Debbie Mayers.  Debbie called the Sussex County Chapter and both she and Marissa met with staff a few days later to talk about how Marissa could help.  After being presented with a number of options, Marissa Mayers said, “I want to be a Hero for the American Red Cross and try to raise $1,000.” Less than a week later, Marissa has raised $300.00 toward her $1,000 goal.  Wearing a signature Red Cross Vest, Marissa has knocked on doors and visited several local businesses each time sharing the financial plight of the Chapter.  Marissa is not unlike the many other Heroes for the American Red Cross. She’s collected donations ranging from $5.00 - $25.00 at a time.  Every donation makes a difference!

Glen Vetrano, Chairman of the Heroes for the American Red Cross Campaign, stated, “We reached the mid-way point of the campaign on March 24th and to the credit of all of the great people who are out there raising money for the Chapter, we have raised $21,500 toward our original goal of $35,000.  We hope to have a stellar finish to the campaign over the next 10 days and exceed that original estimate.”    There are Heroes from Hopatcong to Vernon. 

First Student Andover location Bus Drivers heard the news about the Red Cross on the radio and felt compelled to help.   They have scheduled a garage sale and bake sale on April 4th to be held at the bus company.  Anyone can drop off donations for the garage sale between now and then at the Route 206 bus company location. In addition they will be putting out 25 collection cans throughout the community to collect contributions for the sale.  

Hero, Don Hall, owner of the Chatterbox in Augusta has raised $423.00 so far selling paper Red Crosses for a $1.00 each.  Red Crosses line the 50’s style restaurant.  According to Hall, “We’re working hard toward our goal of $1,000.  We’ll be doubling our efforts during the remainder of the campaign in an effort to reach it.”

Red Cross Volunteer Nancy Caragher used an on-line fundraising tool called TeamRaiser to reach and even exceed her $1,000 goal.  She raised $700 in the first three days by simply sending email messages to friends, family, neighbors, and even the teachers and administrators at her children’s schools.  “I was eager to use TeamRaiser in my fundraising efforts.  It was fun and easy to use!” said Nancy Caragher. Anyone can donate online to the Heroes Campaign at http://american.redcross.org/heroes-sussexcounty and every donation no matter how small makes a difference!

The Sussex County Surrogate’s Office, under the direction of Nancy Fitzgibbons, joined the campaign this week after the Surrogate learned about the Campaign.  Fitzgibbons plans to host a bake sale on Wednesday, April 1st at 3 High Street, from 8:30am-1:30pm which will be open to the public.   Her employees will also be contributing to a special dress down day called, “khaki day”.  For Ms. Fitzgibbons, her participation is personal.   The Red Cross recently assisted one of her employees whose son is serving in the Army.

On Saturday, March 21st, The Spiritual Awakening Center in Sparta hosted a psychic fair in which 100 percent of the proceeds benefited the Red Cross.  More than $1,200 was raised during the four-hour event.

The participants in the group picture are (left to right): Loann Simon, Michael Zaikowski, Red Cross Volunteer Sandy Coulby, Arlene Rich, Red Cross Volunteer Jim Rich, Diana Flanagan and Red Cross Volunteer Cathy Day.

It’s  Not  Too  Late  To  Be  A  Hero!  Individuals serving as Heroes for the American Red Cross agree to raise at least $1,000 for the Chapter.  Funds can be raised in a variety of ways. Individuals may work alone or choose to involve their company, civic club, church, or school in their fundraising efforts.  Heroes may also choose to donate the needed money.  To learn more, call MaryAnn Maikisch at 973-579-1600.