Red Cross faces crucial season

Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2001 | 8:32 a.m.

As the American Red Cross heads into what it calls its peak season for residential fires, the need for donations also is peaking.

Although the agency has received millions of dollars since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the United States, the bulk of those funds were designated to help victims in New York City and Washington, D.C. -- and that money has long left the valley.

Through November and early December, the American Red Cross Southern Nevada Chapter has responded to 13 local fires and has provided money to the victims for temporary shelter, clothing and other needs.

"We are not close to the number of fires we responded to last year, but that could change tomorrow," said Carolyn Johnson, the charity's manager of of emergency services.

Because of extensive holiday cooking, the heightened use of space heaters and fire places and the potential for Yuletide items such as Christmas trees, decorations and paper-wrapped packages to go up in flames, fire officials have traditionally responded to an increase in home fires this time of year.

Donations can be made to the local Red Cross chapter at 3672 N. Rancho Drive.

Other charitable needs and deeds:

* Police officers from New York picked up a check Monday for $250,000 raised by Clark County law enforcement officers. In total, Southern Nevada law enforcement agencies and fire departments have given $2.5 million to relief organizations related to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

* The Economic Opportunity Board of Clark County and KSTJ 102.7-FM are teaming up for the fourth year for the "Wish Upon a Star -- Adopt a Family for the Holiday" program. This year, the program is conservatively seeking $15,000 to help 50 poor families. Last year, the program raised $35,000 to help 120 families. "If we get more donations, we certainly will help more people," said Angela Quinn, administrator of the EOB. "But given the current (economic slowdown) situation we are trying to be realistic." Donations can be made at the EOB at 3674 N. Rancho Drive.

* The Adventuredome at Circus Circus, as a thank you to local police and firefighters, is offering two free all-day ride passes to each public safety officer. A spokesperson for the Police Protective Association said local police officers can accept such comps if they come through the police union as a benefit and not through the department or directly from the resort. The passes are available through the end of the year to police and firefighters from Las Vegas, Clark County, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Boulder City.

* A November golf tournament at the Revere at Anthem Golf Club in Henderson drew 116 participants and raised $9,280 for the United Way's Displaced Workers Fund.

* Students of Las Vegas Community College High School, inspired by Rep. Shelly Berkley, D-Nev., donating 20 percent of her congressional salary to help local displaced workers, raised $1,000 for the United Way's Displaced Workers Fund through bake sales, car washes and from their own pockets.

* Students of Congregation Ner Tamid raised $1,000 for the Union of American Hebrew Congregations for the Reform Movement to help children who lost parents in the Sept. 11 attacks.