VIDALIA — The American Red Cross, the Vidalia Chamber of Commerce and the Vidalia Police Department are looking for everyday heroes.

The Red Cross’ 2009 Hero Campaign — a fundraising effort — is ongoing, and the chamber and the police have teamed up to raise funds together.

“They actually tagged us separately, and we got together and said we want to do something together since there are so many other fundraisers going on right now,” Vidalia Chamber Director Kathy Nunnery said.

The funds donated will stay in this area. Concordia Parish received $8,740 in direct financial aid from the Red Cross last year.

“These people donate a lot of money and time and effort to our parish, and we felt like we needed to help them,” Police Chief Ronnie G. “Tapper” Hendricks said. “They help us so we need to help them.”

The campaign ends Monday.

Those who want to donate should make their checks out to the American Red Cross of Central Louisiana and mail it care of the Vidalia Police Department, 602 John Dale Drive, Vidalia, LA, 71373.

The agencies involved will also accept walk-in donations, Nunnery said.

And if you can’t get it in by the official deadline, don’t sweat it.

“We will still take donations and send them in after Monday,” Nunnery said.

The Red Cross provides emergency relief and emotional support to those who have been affected by events such as home fires, hurricanes and tornadoes.

It also supports emergency responders during prolonged responses and provides emergency and communication services for military personnel.

For more information, contact Nunnery at 318-336-8223 or Gayle Cowan with the Vidalia Police at 318-336-5254.