Dear Editor,

The American Red Cross of the Black Belt has experienced some difficult challenges in 2010, with an uncertain economy our donor base decreased by 30 percent compared to recent years. Moreover, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend the “unthinkable” happened to our local Red Cross office. We were burglarized and vandalized. This disheartening act along with the budgetary shortfall was overwhelming, but this setback turned into a set-up to be blessed.

One of the main reasons I love Selma and Dallas County unequivocally are the wonderful “people” of our community. Over and over again our office has received benevolence from those in our community when Red Cross is burdened with mountain high challenges. A simple “thank-you,” seems inadequate as an appropriate response to the generosity of those who have put their humanitarian concerns into action. When Selma and Dallas County comes together, we do great things. Since this unfortunate incident, Red Cross received many concerned phone calls, increased donations from the private and business sector and a heightened awareness of the importance of having a viable American Red Cross in our community. What the burglar meant as harm has availed the community at large, an opportunity to come to the rescue of Red Cross.

We are so humbled and grateful for the support received to date, but the truth is we still have a budgetary shortage plaguing disaster services. With a rising increase in single-family fires, the Black Belt Red Cross must secure funding for this needed service. The end of the year is always a time to reflect on our personal actions or lack of. If you have not supported Red Cross or one of the other United Way agencies, please consider this urgent plea. We all have a responsibility to our community to help the least of those among us.

In closing, my heartfelt thanks to Bank Trust, Weaver Parrish Trust, FEMA, Alagasco, WHBB, The Selma Times-Journal and to all donors of the American Red Cross of the Black Belt. I am hopeful that 2011 will produce new opportunities for positive change in our beloved Selma and Dallas County.

Please mark your calendars for March 31, 2011 when Red Cross will present our most successful fund-raiser, the Mayor’s of the Black Belt Charity Ball. Selma Mayor George Evans has served as our honorable host for the past two years and his desire is that we make this charity event the best ever. With your support, we shall.

Farewell 2010. Good morning 2011, happy New Year!

Jokki Caldwell Phillips

Executive Director,

American Red Cross of the Black Belt