Newton County Chairman Marcello Banes proclaimed March as American Red Cross Month in Newton County.
Banes presented the proclamation to Jim Tudor, a Disaster Services Volunteer, inside the Newton County Historic Courthouse earlier this week.
The Red Cross, which is celebrating its 140th year of service, relies on 18 volunteers in Newton County to help those in need cope with a number of disasters, including fires, floods and tornadoes. The Disaster Action Team volunteers helped 136 people affected by 31 home fires and 56 residents who were impacted by other disasters.
The Red Cross is also pivotal in supporting blood drives throughout the area. Last year, in Newton County, the Red Cross collected 930 units of critical blood.