Emergencies don’t often happen when expected. The unforeseen is usually what contributes to panic and disorder during a crisis. This is when the American Red Cross Preparedness and Response Center in Santa Maria would step in. That is, if it existed. In order to help residents of northern Santa Barbara County more efficiently the Red Cross needs to raise enough money to make the center a reality.
Fortunately, the generosity of two anonymous donors has brought the Red Cross very close to reaching its $2.8 million goal of building a new Preparedness and Response Center in Santa Maria. These gifts, totaling $250,000, have helped the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter reach 97 percent of its overall goal to build the new center, according to a press release from the Red Cross. This center is crucial because Santa Maria and neighboring communities cannot rely on the Red Cross resources of southern Santa Barbara County due to the fast growing population of the county.
The foundation of the center has already been established. Over a year ago, the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara County Chapter bought an 11,750-square-foot warehouse, located at 3030 Skyway Drive in Santa Maria, according to the press release. This building cost the chapter $1.3 million.
However, this is just the skeleton of the center. In order for it to be fully operational, the chapter needs more funding. Soon after the purchase of the warehouse, a Capacity Building Campaign was launched, with a goal of raising an additional $1.5 million from businesses, individuals, and foundations.
Once the funds have been raised, the warehouse will be transformed into three well-equipped large classrooms, storage space for cots, blankets, and comfort kits, restrooms and a kitchen to support up to 100 people, office and work space, and a meeting space for outside community groups. The classrooms will drastically improve the chapter’s power to train people in First Aid and CPR.
The recent gifts to the American Red Cross, Santa Barbara Chapter have helped the cause dramatically, but the need for donations is still alive. One hundred percent of each donation will support this fund. You may choose to send your contribution online at www.sbredcross.org, call it in at 805-928-0778, or mail it to 3030 Skyway Drive, Santa Maria, CA 93458.
Editorial intern Kathryn Leedom compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments to intern@santamariasun.com. Items for consideration should be sent to mail@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Jul 3-10, 2008.