Red Cross looking for 25 heroes to raise at least $1,000 each
By TIM GULLA Ledger Staff Writer tim@gaffneyledger.com

Gaffney Fire Chief Nathan Ellis still is looking for heroes.

Serving as chairman of the American Red Cross of Cherokee County's Heroes Campaign, Ellis has a goal of trying to line up 25 people, businesses, church groups or civic organizations willing to hold fundraisers for the local Red Cross chapter.

It's hoped that each group participating in the campaign will be able to raise $1,000, though both the number of participants and fundraising amounts are just goals.

"If I can recruit 30 people, I will," said Ellis.

One of the first groups to commit to the campaign was the Cherokee County Fire Chief's Association, which represents all fire departments in the county.

Buffalo Fire Chief Josh Parker, who heads the Fire Chief's Association, said the group most likely will hold boot drives.

Ellis said he planned to talk to church groups and civic organizations as well.

The Heroes Campaign and the local Red Cross chapter's annual Taste of Cherokee couldn't come at a better time in some ways.

As of the beginning of February, the local chapter found itself $16,000 short of its annual budgetary goals.

The organization had even handed out the last of its blankets earlier this month following fires that left two families homeless.

Since the Red Cross shortfall was announced some donations have come in, said the local chapter's director, Shellie Wylie.

"We're doing better," she said.

She received a $500 check as well as some other donations, such as one from a church women's group. While the donations have narrowed the gap they haven't closed it and a shortfall remains.

Still short on blankets, Wylie obtained six afghans from the Salvation Army store.

When the Red Cross responds to a fire scene, it comes prepared to assist people displaced by fire or disaster with basic necessities like blankets for warmth and money for food, clothing medicine or temporary shelter.

"A lot of people don't realize what the Red Cross does," Ellis said.

While the organization responds to singular events, like a fire, it also is the first line of recovery in times of disaster.

Anyone who wants to organize a fund raising drive for the Heroes Campaign can call Ellis at 487-8516 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.