Sound the Alarm is a providing smoke detectors for homes. (Photo Provided)

The American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley has participated in Give Local MOV every year the event has been held.

Last year, the agency raised $14,000. This year the goal is $15,000, Sharon Kesselring, executive director of the Red Cross, said.

The donations are important for the Red Cross, Kesselring said. The money, while it remains local, is used for local disaster relief and the Red Cross’ service to veterans program, she said.

Local disaster aid can be in the form of providing shelter after a calamity, such as a flood or fire, clothing, temporary living quarters and medicines lost in the disaster, she said.

“Whatever they might need or is life-saving help at the time,” Kesselring said.

Fires are among the many disasters answered by the American Red Cross of the Ohio River Valley. (Photo Provided)

Caseworkers for the veterans services programs are funded through the GiveLocal donations, Kesselring said. Moreover, caseworker training for the veterans services program is expensive, she said.

The Red Cross has been actively promoting Give Local MOV and encouraging donations during the event, Kesselring said.

No donation to Give Local for the Red Cross is too small, Kesselring said.

To make the $15,000 goal, the plan is to raise $7,200 from the community, which will be matched with $7,200 from the community foundation, she said. Then another $600 needs to be raised to make the $15,000 total, Kesselring said.

Anyone wanting information can call Kesselring at 304 488-5279.

The American Red Cross teaches swimming at the pool at Southwood Park. (Photo Provided)