Waterford resident Jeremy Har r is waits to retr ieve some of his belongings. He plans to live with his grandmother in Northeast Columbia until he finishes school at Midlands Tech this spr ing. He then hopes to transfer to the University of Georgia or the University of South Carolina. On February 23, 2009, the Red Cross Heroes responded to a multi- family fire at Waterford Apartments in Columbia. This disaster was the largest multi- family fire in recent Red Cross history. Twenty- two units were lost, 21 of which were occupied. The Red Cross provided disaster assistance for 22 tenants. They received client assistance cards to purchase food, clothing, shelter, seasonal garments, plus infant supplies, and life- sustaining medication where necessary.

"The Red Cross gave me some money to get back on my feet and buy clothes and shoes," said Waterford resident Jeremy Harris.

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 our 10- county region. To celebrate the "Heroes," events have been planned.

• March 17, Spaghetti Supper 4:30 - 7:30 p.m. First Baptist Church, 1373 Newberry Rd. Winnsboro, SC

• March 18, Sumter Outback Luncheon 11- 2 p.m. Outback Restaurant 2480 Broad St. Sumter, SC

• March 21, Night out with Heroes 8 pm- midnight Jillian's 800 Gervais St. Columbia, SC

• April 24, Sumter Golf Tournament 10 a.m. shotgun start Beech Creek Golf Club 1800 Sam Gillespie Blvd Sumter, SC

For more than 92 years, volunteers with your local Red Cross have been heroes to thousands of people in your community, lending aid during times of disaster, supporting military families and training citizens in lifesaving CPR and first aid skills.

"Heroes for the American Red Cross" is a grassroots campaign where local business people, school groups, church groups, civic clubs, and individuals pledge to raise $1000 for their local Red Cross chapter. This year, the your local Red Cross hopes to raise $136,000 during this campaign to support Red Cross services including disaster relief, assistance for fire victims, emergency military communications, first aid and CPR training, and disaster preparedness information for our community. All money raised will support your backdoor neighbors.