Story Published:
Mar 26, 2008 at 6:25 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Mar 27, 2008 at 10:24 AM CDT
SPRINGFIELD -- At a scene of disaster, the Red Cross isn't far behind the first responders, whether it be a fire, flood or tornado. The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross plans to raise millions of dollars to do its job better, on scene and off.
Be they manmade or natural disasters, response agencies say preparation is key. Now the Greater Ozarks Chapter is taking some of its own advice and preparing to better serve needs in the Ozarks.
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"She said, ‘We have a small situation at your home.’ I said, ‘Okay.’ She said, ‘We have a fire inside,’” recalled Tamera Wegis.
Inside the home were four of Wegis' kids, five years of memories and a settled life. The kids got out fine but the life they knew was not so lucky. That's when she says the Red Cross arrived with tools to help them move forward.
“They helped us out with giving us a debit card to help with lodging and for some immediate clothing, because the kids ran out with the clothes on their back; no shoes or anything!" said Wegis.
To help serve many people like Wegis, the Greater Ozarks Chapter says it needs faster communication, more space for shelter and walls that stand up to 300 mph winds. It would like to make a reality next year.
The chapter has been in its building on West Bypass for only a year and a half but says it's not as safe or efficient as it could be.
The chapter favors a new dome design for its headquarters, and plans to build it at the same site. Staffers say more space and modern equipment will help them better handle modern disasters.
The design may look Alaskan in nature but the staff says people shouldn’t be fooled. Those outer walls will be built to withstand 300 mph winds. An extra 2,800 square feet will free up room for working and living.
"In the case of disruption with communications,” said Joann Moore, spokeswoman for the chapter, “we would still be able to effectively operate and keep our people out of harm’s way."
They hope the new building will let them better help a community or a life in crisis, for times when the little things mean everything.
The chapter is trying to raise $4.2 million for the project, which it calls Campaign for Red-iness. Campaign chairman David Agee says 43 percent has already been raised or pledge. The chapter hopes to have all pledges in by this August, so it can break ground in 2009.
If people want to contribute to this special campaign, they can call the Greater Ozarks Chapter of the Red Cross (417) 832-9500.
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