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KERRY WHIPPLE

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ &045;&045; The Adams County chapter of the American Red Cross received a Christmas gift it will be able to give to the rest of the community.

Isle of Capri has donated a shuttle bus to the agency, which will be able to use it for disaster relief services.

&uot;This is something that is really needed for Red Cross,&uot; said Isle of Capri General Manager Jose Oakley.

Red Cross can use the bus for a variety of needs, Director John Goodrich. For example, the agency can use it to transport food between shelters during a hurricane, set it up as a canteen during disasters or use it to help families during house fires.

Isle of Capri senior director of finance Mike Simon, a member of the Red Cross board, brought the need for the bus to the attention of the rest of the casino management.

&uot;It’s evident that Red Cross needs corporate and individual sponsorship in addition to money received from United Way,&uot; Simon said. &uot;Red Cross is a self-sustained agency that doesn’t receive federal funding, so it’s really the community helping the community.&uot;

Goodrich said the United Way provides a portion of Red Cross’ funding, and the city and county give some money.

&uot;The two biggest resources (Red Cross needs) are volunteers’ time and efforts and donations &045;&045; through sponsorship or equipment,&uot; Simon said.

In March, the agency will begin training volunteers for disaster services and shelter operations. Last fall when Red Cross set up several shelters in Natchez to accommodate hurricane evacuees, several volunteers came to help, but not everyone had been trained.

By holding the training this spring, &uot;everyone will be trained ahead of time and everything will go real smooth,&uot; Winter said.

The Adams County chapter serves a five-county area. Anyone interested in contributing time or money can contact the Red Cross office at 442-3656.

&uot;We always need volunteers,&uot; Winter said.