Northern Lights Enterprises Donates to Red Cross

Furniture World Magazine

When disaster strikes, the American Red Cross is ready to help-setting up shelters, distributing food, providing comfort kits and services to meet the needs of the victims. While the Red Cross is mandated to do this work by Congress, the organization receives no government funding. "We rely completely on donations made by individuals, businesses and organizations," said Judy Kosciewicz, Director of the Allegheny County Chapter. "That's why we are so thrilled that Northern Lights has chosen to donate proceeds from the sale of its gift boxes to our National Disaster Fund," she added. Northern Lights started the program for the Red Cross last year. The company made a donation of $ 10,000 in 1997 and has done the same for 1998. "In developing our products, Northern Lights practices the 'Art of Creativity.' We also make a regular practice of the "Art of Giving,' although we generally make donations to local charities. For example, we have a scholarship fund for Wellsville High School students who wish to pursue a degree in the arts," said Andy Glanzman, President of Northern Lights. "Our gift boxes are sold throughout the country at our forty temporary mall locations during the winter holiday season. That's why we decided that the donation should be used on a national level." "This money will help cover the costs of a mass care effort," said Marcy Bledsoe, Chairman of the Board of the Allegheny County Chapter. After the danger of the disaster has passed and the people begin to go back into their homes, the assistance does not stop. This is when American Red Cross damage assessment volunteers get to work. They issue a report which is then used by both government and non-government agencies. "The report helps us work with community groups in aiding victims to reestablish their lives as they were before the disaster," said Bledsoe. "Often community members will provide the human resources and we provide shelter and supplies." All assistance provided by the American Red Cross is free.