Skip to content | Skip to navigation

D&E in the News

04-03-08 - Businesses support Red Cross month

 

EphrataReview.com
Heidi Eilenberger

EPHRATA, PA - In 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt designated March as American Red Cross month, a mission his wife Eleanor volunteered for during World War I and World War II.

D&E Communications is supporting the American Red Cross in a many ways this March. They are flying the Red Cross flag in front of their building on Oregon Pike in Brownstown, and their Brossman Building on Main Street in Ephrata. D&E is also continuing to volunteer their time and contribute financially.

"Flying the flag is a way that D&E can personally show support for the mission," Doug Snell, of D&E Communications and a board member on the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley said.

"We rely on our donors. D&E is a huge part of our success, they give us money, time and even help with our Web site," Kathy Smyser, public relations and marketing officer for the American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley said.

The American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley covers south-central Pennsylvania, including, Lancaster, Dauphin Cumberland, Perry, Mifflin and Juniata counties.

In the first 55 days of this year the Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley spent $82,000 in disaster relief alone by responding to 35 disasters, assisting 119 adults and 52 children. Their mission is to provide relief to victims of disaster and to help people prevent, prepare and respond to emergencies. The Red Cross trains citizens how to take action in times of crisis.

"We are here to help, and we're also here to prepare people if something happens," said Smyser. "We show people how to make disaster supply kits, inform them about what disasters could effect them and how they should respond."

In December 2007, congress declared the first week of June, National CPR Awareness Week. In response, the Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley is offering free CPR classes at various locations throughout south-central Pennsylvania. The Red Cross is encouraging people to contact them and register for these classes.

The American Red Cross of the Susquehanna Valley responds to a disaster every 48 hours. Smyser explains, "We have nearly 1,000 volunteers. None of our actions would be possible without people like Doug Snell and sponsors like D&E Communications.

D&E Communications has been in business for over 100 years. According to Snell, community outreach is a part of its foundation.

"D&E gives to many organizations, the United Way, the American Heart Association and Boy Scouts, are just a few. Giving a tradition that was started years ago. D&E wants to give back to the community and help our fellow man," Snell said.