The Alternative Press

NEWTON, NJ, February 26, 2013 – This March, which is celebrated nationwide as Red Cross Month, a group of local “Heroes” is working hard to help the Red Cross continue its services in Sussex, Morris and Warren Counties. Warren County Freeholder Director Jason Sarnoski will lead as Chairman of the 2013Heroes for the American Red Cross campaign. 

“I knew right away that I wanted to do this,” said Freeholder Director Jason Sarnoski. “I know first-hand the value that the Red Cross brings to the community. Whether it is responding to a large-scale disaster like Superstorm Sandy or to a home fire that displaces a single family, the Red Cross is always there.” 

Heroes for the American Red Cross is a grassroots campaign where local business people, school groups, church groups, civic clubs, and individuals agree to donate or raise $1,000 for the Red Cross during March. The campaign features corporate sponsorships starting at $1,500 and this year, the John and Margaret Post Foundation has increased their matching gift grant to $35,000 to entice additional sponsors and Heroes to participate.

Sarnoski, who resides in Lopatcong Township with his wife Tammi and their two young children, hopes to top the $104,000 raised last year under the leadership of Howard Burrell, Ph.D of Vernon Township.

“With support from Morris, Sussex and Warren counties, I am confident that we can exceed the amount raised during last year’s campaign,” said Sarnoski.

Past Heroes have hosted bake sales, garage sales, pre-school hop-a-thons, bowl-a-thons, zumba-thons, dodge ball tournaments, while others sold paper Heroes squares, pencils and Heroes bracelets to raise funds. Warren County Community College students once hosted a fundraiser offering students the ability purchase $1 pieces of tape that would eventually suspend Sociology Professor Jen Harrison to a wall. Students at the college have sold red hair extensions and hosted a “best pizza” contest involving local pizzerias. 

“It’s all about having fun while making a difference in the lives of others,” said MaryAnn Maikisch of the American Red Cross of Northern New Jersey.

  The campaign supports local Red Cross services including disaster relief with assistance for fire victims, emergency military communications, first aid and CPR training and disaster preparedness education. To learn more about the campaign, visit Heroes for the American Red Cross or contact MaryAnn Maikisch at    973-567-2042, or via email at maryann.maikisch@redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org.

About the American Red Cross North Jersey Region 
The American Red Cross North Jersey Region provides programs and services throughout the counties of Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Somerset, Sussex, Union and Warren, with a combined population of 5.7 million. The region trains and mobilizes more than 4,500 volunteers who support the delivery of services in the community. Last year, the Red Cross North Jersey Region responded to 419 local disasters, helping 929 families displaced by home fires; collected more than 28,500 units of blood through blood drives and Red Cross Blood Donation Centers; helped 884 military families send emergency messages, receive financial assistance, and get counseling and referrals; and trained 143,344 individuals with life-saving skills in CPR, AED use, first aid and aquatics. Follow the North Jersey Region social media channels.