American Red Cross of Ventura County Celebrates Red Cross Month . . .

Camarillo, Calif. – March is Red Cross Month and the American Red Cross of Ventura County is celebrating with a series of special events taking place throughout the County.

Several area businesses are participating in the month-long celebration creating opportunities for the local chapter to receive donations to help serve Ventura County residents throughout the year. Element Coffee in Camarillo participated in the celebration on March 7, donating 20% of the proceeds received that day to the American Red Cross of Ventura County.

Topper’s Pizza at 2100 Saviers Road in Oxnard will contribute 20% of its profits to the Red Cross on March 18 during the hours of 5-9 p.m. Angelo’s Chicken Shack at 1775 E. Daily Drive in Camarillo is also stepping up on March 24 and will donate 20% of the proceeds received from 5 to 8 p.m.

The Camarillo Young Professionals Group is hosting a Casino Night on Friday, March 27 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Ventura. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated directly to the local chapter.

In addition, the American Red Cross of Ventura County is running a campaign during March, “Casual Attire Day.” To participate, companies and organizations can work with their employees to set up a casual wear day in exchange for a $5 donation to the Red Cross.

Last year, the American Red Cross of Ventura County responded to 55 single family home/apartment fires and trained over 24,000 individuals in lifesaving skills such as CPR and First Aid. Over 5,000 people were trained in disaster preparedness. The local chapter supported nearly 6,000 military personnel and their families upon deployment and return from active duty.

“With the current economic conditions, we especially rely on donations to meet the needs of the community in times of disaster,” stated Chris Johnson, CEO of the American Red Cross of Ventura County. “Every donation counts to help ensure that we can continue to effectively train, respond and prepare for disasters in our County,” he added.

Residents are invited to partake in the many events taking place throughout Ventura County in March. Donations can also be made through the website at www.arcventura.org. To participate in the Casual Attire Day, contact the American Red Cross of Ventura County at 805-987-1514. In addition, the American Red Cross of Ventura County continues its Quilt of Caring program through June 30^th and individuals can also donate to the chapter by purchasing a square for the quilt, which will be completed this summer.

Since 1917, the American Red Cross of Ventura County has been meeting needs throughout the communities it serves. Each year, more than 1,200 local volunteers respond to more than 50 local disasters, teach tens of thousands of individual’s vital lifesaving skills, and support the men and women in the U.S. Armed Forces. The American Red Cross is not a government agency.