Project Need:

For over 86 years, the American Red Cross Central Plains Chapter has been a faithful servant to families in times of crises. Through the efforts of over 600 volunteers, our Red Cross caringly responds to emergency situations across a six county area (Hall, Hamilton, Merrick, Howard, Sherman and Greeley) . This hand of care is extended without cost to our families, our neighbors, or our friends in their times of greatest need.

Through the Central Plains Chapter, we annually provide CPR training for over 3,000 individuals; we provide Water Safety training for over 1,500 people; we collect over 7,000 units of blood; we respond to between 80 - 90 emergencies/disasters; and we provide support to over 100 military cases.

As a result of tremendous growth in the demand for emergency services over the past decade; our own area chapter has outgrown its current facility and its ability to effectively respond to ever-increasing numbers of requests for support. Because the Red Cross is mandated (but not funded) by Congress, we are obligated to find a way to provide the increasing levels of programs and services.

The current facility was constructed in 1985 when the chapter served one county. Today we provide direct services to six counties.

Project Objectives:

To alleviate this facility need, we are embarking on a campaign to renovate and expand the current facility, making it more efficient and user friendly. We believe expanding the current facility in our downtown location is the most cost effective solution to meeting the increased demand for program and service delivery needs in our region. The cost for the expansion and renovation is estimated to be $1 million.

Project Benefits:

The new addition will provide additional space for volunteers, blood collection, meeting and training rooms, and for the first time, an uninterruptible power source. Additional parking for volunteers, additional storage for emergency materials, and new computer equipment will also be part of the project plans. For more detailed information see additional page at top.

Project Goal:

Our goal and plans are to begin and complete construction in 2005. The completion of the building expansion will be a major asset to the region in terms of our ability to provide responsive emergency care when communities in our service area require them most.

Update:

We held a ground breaking ceremony on March 1st. On March 2nd work had begun. The project was completed in early October and we moved into the new facility. This is a tremendous achievement and could not have been possible without the help of the many generous people of Grand Island and the surrounding areas and the major donors which made contributions of $50,000 towards the much needed project!

Come by and see the new building-- and the renovations of the Blood Region Area -- and while you are here, donate blood and save a life!