The Blue Ridge Chapter of the American Red Cross hosted its annual "Help Can't Wait" breakfast at the Liberty Conference Center in Lynchburg on Thursday, April 25.

The event recognized the impact of the Red Cross in our area and those who volunteer, advocate, and donate, both financially and through blood donations.

Dignitaries on hand included local government officials and representatives from area fire, rescue, and police agencies.

New Country 107.9 YYD’s Scott Stevens was the emcee for the event and shared his personal story of blood donations and his work with the Red Cross through his years as a radio programmer.

Stevens also talked about how his mom lost her home to a devastating flood in 2001 and how she received assistance from the Red Cross.

Several local folks who had benefited from or volunteered for the Red Cross also told their stories.

Robert Dalton, a home fire survivor and current blood donor, spoke about the assistance he received from the Red Cross when he lost his home in a fire.

Cathy Gore, President and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County United Way, who spoke on her time volunteering for the disaster action team, received the "Rookie of the Year" award for her work with the Blue Ridge Chapter.

Lexi Snider spoke about surviving a near drowning as a child because Debra Wilson knew CPR after taking a class with the Red Cross, and Debra talked about the importance of those CPR classes.

Charlie Ewell talked about giving blood for 50 years to help those with Sickle Cell Anemia and Chrystal Loving spoke about how the Red Cross helped her family survive hurricane Dorian.

Clair McStacy, a Certified Nursing Midwife with Centra Medical Group, spoke about the devastation blood loss can bring and the importance of having a blood supply available for moms in labor, delivery, and post-partum.

Along with the speakers, the Red Cross made an appeal to everyone to give of their time, their financial support, and blood donations to help the Red Cross continue their mission.

You can help the Red Cross as well. To donate to “Help Can't Wait 2024,” you can text hcwbr to 76278 or go to THIS LINK.

Or scan the QR Code below.

Help can't wait, and the Red Cross cannot help others without your support.

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