The American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County chapter, announced that it has received a $50,540 grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation to further support its disaster-related services.
This chapter, which serves all of Santa Barbara County, is one of 128 Red Cross chapters awarded funds as part of the Wal-Mart Foundation’s initiative to support disaster response and capacity building projects nationwide.
“We are thrilled that the Wal-Mart Foundation recognizes the importance of supporting the life-saving disaster services of the American Red Cross and hope that their generous donation leads to even more support in our community,” said Louise Kolbert, director of emergency services for the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County chapter.
The grant will be used specifically to buy 11 tents for shelter trailers, one kitchen support trailer, six shelter kits, and six nursing kits. The grant will also fund an AmeriCorps worker for a full year.
The $5 million Disaster Readiness and Capacity Building Grant Program will benefit communities near Red Cross chapters in remote areas that are often isolated during disasters, and whose chartered jurisdictions serve fewer than one million people—such as the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County chapter.
The American Red Cross helps people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies throughout Santa Barbara County, and has provided service to 20,000 people since the local chapter began. The organization relies on donations of time and money for its work.
For more information, contact the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County chapter, at 687-1331 in Santa Barbara or 928-0778 in Santa Maria.
Intern Gabby Hendriksen compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via e-mail at intern@santamaria sun.com.
This article appears in May 14-21, 2009.