CLINTON —
Although nearly 1,000 miles separate the Gateway area and the destruction left behind by Superstorm Sandy, residents and businesses are finding ways to help through the Gateway Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.
According to the chapter’s executive director, Amber Wood, there are a number of ways residents are helping and can help the disaster relief efforts by working in their own communities.
“We’ve got pretty great supporters,” Wood said. “Every little bit make a difference in disaster response.”
For independent beauty consultant with BeautiControl, Carissa Evans, watching the devastation in the wake of Sandy inspired her to help by contributing a percentage of a sales program.
“My heart has been very heavy watching all the things going on the East Coast,” Evans said. “I’d like to send all sorts of money, but that’s not possible. I’ve decided to turn my sadness into action.”
For the past 18 years, Evans has held an open house for her business before Thanksgiving. During her open house this year on Nov. 15, 16 and 17, 10 percent of her sales will be going to the Red Cross for Superstorm Sandy disaster relief.
Additionally, Evans will offer spa parties to benefit the American Red Cross this month and next. If a customer specifically requests, Evans will donate 25 percent of the profits from the spa party. She can be reached at 357-1319.
“I thought, ‘so what can I do?’ I can do this,” she said. “I’m just not going to put as much into my pockets for now.”
Community State Bank in Fulton will also be working to raise funds for the disaster relief by implementing a customer donor program. For the next couple of weeks, the bank will have donation canisters that will bring in money for the American Red Cross as it helps people deal with what is believed to be billions of dollars of damage.
“Our focus is that one person can make a difference,” Assistant Vice President and branch manager Patti Housenga said.
The group hosted a similar drive in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. When Housenga learned that a local television station would host a telethon to raise money, she decided her company would also help.
“It’s great for them to take the initiative and provide this help from the community,” Wood said.
While financial donations are always welcome, there are a number of other ways Gateway residents can help, Wood said.
With nearly 300 blood drives cancelled due to the storm and more expected, hosting a blood drive or donating blood at one of the weekly blood drives the Gateway Area Red Cross hosts at the old Fulton fire station would help the Red Cross provide help to those on the East Coast. Those interested can call 242-5223 to schedule an appointment.
Businesses can also help by sponsoring an employee giving and matching gift program or placing a Red Cross banner on the company’s web page. Those wishing to help can also text “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation.
“We have a very generous community; these options are how their generosity can be used most effectively,” Wood said.
Local News
Related Photos
-
(From left) Community State Bank Fulton branch manager Patti Housenga; Executive Director of the Gateway Area Chapter of the American Red Cross Amber Wood; and BeautiControl independent consultant Carissa Evans talk Thursday at the local Red Cross office about ways they can help with disaster relief on the East Coast. Katie Dahlstrom/Clinton Herald
Discussion
Locals lend helping hand to Sandy relief
- Local News
-
-
Man charged after knife incident
CLINTON -- A bar fight on Saturday escalated with one man returning with a knife. Ricardo Hernandez, 48, 441 Sixth Ave. South, apartment five, is charged with going armed with intent, carrying weapons and public intoxication. Clinton police responde
-
City looks at upping waste service fees
CLINTON -- Clinton residents could soon pay $1.39 more for their solid waste services monthly as city officials find ways to shore up the solid waste fund.
- Second TIF district eyed FULTON, Ill. -- Development discussions for the 112 acres of land purchased by the city of Fulton last month has begun. The city council met Monday to review a presentation from SB Friedman Senior Project Manager Geoff Dickenson for a new potential
-
Prospect Avenue questions to be answered
CLINTON — The city of Clinton will host a public meeting regarding Prospect Avenue construction Wednesday at Clinton City Hall. The public information meeting will be from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday in City Council chambers at Clinton City Hall. The
- Union Pacific routes money back into community CLINTON -- Five Clinton-area non-profit organizations were awarded grants from the Union Pacific Foundation on Monday. Big Brother Big Sisters, the Friends of the Clinton Public Library, Mercy Medical Center, the River City Municipal Band and the Un
- Head out on the highway CLINTON -- Around 400 Harley riders will cruise into Clinton this weekend as the city hosts the Harley Owners Group 2013 state rally. From Thursday through Saturday, Clinton will be filled with bikers from across the state who will take part in var
-
End of the road for landfill's bio-reactor
The county landfill will scrap its bio-reactor. The Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency heard a quote from James Luther Kiln & Dryer on repairing the broken bio-reactor vessel during Thursday's meeting, learning the project could cost as much as $750,000.
-
More than Paint: School districts prepare to merge as Easton Valley
Members of the Preston and East Central communities are preparing for the major change of their districts becoming one. As of late, those preparations involved gallons of orange and grey paint.
-
Iowa film company showcases Clinton firm
The Iowa Filmmakers were in Clinton on Thursday shooting a new video at Adcraft Printwear.
-
Request to reduce Clinton's costs for landfill use fails
A request by a Clinton city councilwoman for a decrease in the solid waste per capita rate did not receive enough support to move forward in discussions by the county's solid waste agency board Thursday night.
- More Local News Headlines
-
