Each year, the Main Street United Methodist Church men sponsor a golf tournament at the City of Dillon Municipal Golf Course to raise money for the American Red Cross.
This year’s tournament, which was held Friday, April 15th, has exceeded their goal by raising more than $20,000 in revenue, according to Ronnie “Catfish” Carter, one of the organizers of the event. The funds will stay in Dillon County. The Main Street United Methodist Church men’s group is the largest contributor to the Red Cross in Dillon County. Approximately 16 teams participated in this year’s event.
Nanci Conley, executive director of the American Red Cross in Eastern South Carolina, said that for every $4 spent on prevention, they are saving $10 in response.
The Red Cross has held two smoke alarm installation events in Dillon County. The Red Cross speaks with families while installing the smoke alarms which come with 10-year lithium batteries. Conley said education saves lives. Some of the things addressed are how to prevent fires, what to do in a fire, and what to do after a fire.
During the recent floods in South Carolina, 1800 Red Cross volunteers responded.
         Approximately 77 percent of the people who the Red Cross helps have an income of less than $25,000. Most usually do not have insurance.
         The Red Cross also provides services that many people may not be aware of such as providing water for first responders in disaster situations and communicating information to military families. There is no charge for Red Cross services.
         The Eastern South Carolina Chapter of the Red Cross has over 500 volunteers for six counties. Approximately 300 more are needed for this area. If one is interested in volunteering, he or she can visit www.Redcross.org for more information. Conley said one must have a love for the mission of the Red Cross.
         The Eastern South Carolina Chapter of the Red Cross needs to raise $1.2 million in the six counties they serve to be able to meet the needs. Between the golf tournament and the annual chicken bog, more than $30,000 will be raised in Dillon County.
         The Red Cross is not a government agency. They are a non-profit entity.

PHOTOS BY JOHNNIE DANIELS/THE DILLON HERALD
Click once on a photo to bring it into a single screen, and then again to enlarge.