The “Heroes for the American Red Cross” campaign is winding down this week, and people from around the Mohawk Valley have stepped up during these difficult economic times to prove that heroes come in all guises.
Melissa McCredie is one of the many individuals in the area who took the time and the energy to raise $1,000 for the Heroes Campaign. A manager at the NBT Bank in Middleville, McCredie took the initiative, and has proven herself a true hero. Conducting an e-mail and letter writing campaign, McCredie also sold Red Cross squares for $1 at the NBT Branch where she works. “NBT Bank has always been a great supporter of the Red Cross, and we are very appreciative of their support” said Victoria Cataldo, Director of Development for the American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley, “But Melissa McCredie took this initiative upon herself, and through her dedication raised the money to donate to this cause.”
McCredie has been a long time supporter of the Red Cross and its many invaluable causes. “I have been donating blood since I was in high school,” she said, “But this year I just wanted to do something more.” She said that she found the people that she approached very receptive to the cause and very generous in their donations. “It is nice to know that the money donated to the Mohawk Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross stays here in the Mohawk Valley.” Funds raised in this campaign will be used to support Red Cross services, such as disaster relief, assistance for fire victims, emergency military communications, first aid and CPR training and disaster preparedness information for the local community. “These grassroots fund-raising campaigns are really unbelievable,” said Cataldo, “People seem to have a real sense that it could just as easily be them who finds themselves in need. And the people in need come to the Red Cross.” “Through the generosity of the local communities we are really making a difference,” she continued, “Its all about neighbors helping neighbors.”
As this is the final week of the fund-raising campaign, be on the lookout for the many fun and unique opportunities to give to the Red Cross. Heroes raising the money often come up with clever and interesting ways to bring in donations. Some of the fund-raisers in the past have included dress down days at work, hat days, and car washes.
For more information on the Heroes Campaign and how you can become involved contact Victoria Cataldo at cataldov@redcrossmv.org or visit www.redcrossmv.org
Middleville, N.Y. —
