Real heroes share red

(Photos by Randy M. Cauthron) Sid Fitch, a commercial loan officer with The Farmers Bank of Spencer, prepares to give blood at Hope Reformed Church in Spencer on Monday afternoon. Collection Specialist Renalda Becker, RN, is getting Fitch ready for his donation. In addition to Fitch's blood, the Iowa Great Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross is also receiving funding from his place of employment. The Farmers Bank is matching every pint of blood given with a $10 donation up to $2,000. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

When it comes to heroes, the American Red Cross recognizes them by the pint.

The Iowa Great Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross enters the second day of its local blood drive, and many have stepped up to answer the call. Doors at Hope Reformed Church of Spencer's Harbor Room will remain open today from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While donors take their places of honor in the prone position, others in the community have stepped up to assist in other ways.

The Farmers Bank of Spencer has agreed to donate $10 per pint donated up to $2,000, with all proceeds going to area Red Cross efforts.

In addition to assisting with the blood supply for persons injured in accidents or emergency situations; the Red Cross provides leadership and coordination in times of natural disasters.

This little red ball helps donors keep the blood flowing in the American Red Cross banks. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Locally, the Iowa Great Lakes Chapter serves five counties and more than 70,000 citizens.

Those wishing to contribute to the Red Cross - which relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work - may give dollars as well as blood to be part of the Heroes For The American Red Cross. Individuals and organizations can become "heroes" by pledging financial support to the local chapter. An average of 92 cents of every dollar is invested in humanitarian services and programs.

A Red Cross worker prepares vials to receive the blood from Spencer donors. [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

In 2009, 810-plus individuals were trained in lifesaving skills; 1,096 took part in the Learn to Swim program; 136 cases were recorded for regional military family service and 175-plus hours of communication was offered; 16 local fires with 35 victims received assistance - including 11 children; and 451 children took part in the Scrubby Bear Youth Program.

A total of 194 volunteers were recognized for service with the local Red Cross.

Those wishing to donate to the "Heroes" program can contact Cindy Voss, executive director for the Iowa Great Lakes Chapter at 1900 N. Grand Suite D-3, PO Box 407, Spencer or call 262-1574.