DETROIT, MI--(Marketwire - October 30, 2008) - The American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter will officially begin the 2008 Blanket Days for the Homeless campaign on November 3. The campaign is now in its 21st year and the Red Cross is looking to collect 7,000 blankets. This year's campaign lasts through January 30, 2009.
As in past years, Blanket Days will rely primarily on the generosity of the community. Local organizations including schools, places of worship, businesses and community groups can sign up to participate by holding internal blanket drives, acting as a local community collection centers, or by collecting trial-size items for Red Cross "comfort kits." Over 80 organizations have signed on already, with more to come.
"Blanket Days is always the time of year where we do our best to give something back to the community that has been so generous to our cause," says Glen Hendricks, director of emergency services for the Southeastern Michigan Chapter. "This is our opportunity to help those who need help the most in our area, including victims of disasters, teen runaways, domestic abuse victims and anyone residing in the local shelters we serve. We again ask for the assistance of the community during these very trying times. Make a blanket or financial contribution today and help keep someone warm this winter!"
The Red Cross has a series of events planned to increase donations. Red Cross volunteers and students from Detroit Northwestern High School will be at World Medical Relief on Rosa Parks Blvd. in Detroit from November 5-7 to distribute blankets to several local homeless shelters. These blankets were collected from the 2007 campaign and will benefit people residing in those shelters.
Also, the Southeastern Michigan Chapter will team up with Michigan First Credit Union for a kickoff blanket drive on November 10 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. This event will be at the newest Michigan First location at 19200 Wyoming in Detroit. Red Cross staff and volunteers will be on hand to take donations of new twin-size blankets and money to benefit the campaign. FOX 2 News Meteorologist Ben Bailey will make an appearance, as will the 93.9 River Roadies and Detroit's own Bates Academy school band to perform an hours' worth of holiday selections. The public is encouraged to come and make donations to support this very worthy cause.
Support for Blanket Days is encouraged through the donations of new twin-size blankets as well as financial contributions. The 2008 Red Cross Blanket Days campaign, with sponsorship and support from organizations including Quicken Loans, WJBK-FOX 2, 93.9 The River Radio, Humana and World Medical Relief, will help to give the gift of warmth to thousands of local residents this winter. To support this year's campaign, call (313) 494-2740 or visit www.semredcross.org to sign up today.
About the American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter
The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the American Red Cross is the organization that turns caring into action by providing disaster relief and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. We are volunteer-driven and reflect the diversity of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. As part of the international Red Cross network, we are dedicated to protecting human life and dignity worldwide. To learn more about the Red Cross and to make a financial donation, call 1-877-788-0014 or log on to www.semredcross.org
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