From the desk of Presiding Officer Judy Jacobs:

 

I am pleased to announce that this year I will again join the American Red Cross in Nassau County to help host the 17th Annual Red Cross Swim-A-Cross on Friday, August 11, 2006 at 12 noon.  This wonderful event will be held at Centre Island Beach, Bayville Avenue, Bayville.

For the past 17 years, hundreds of swimmers have participated in the annual Swim-A-Cross to help provide essential and critical funding on behalf of the American Red Cross in Nassau County.  Over the years, this special event has received accolades, awards, and the attention from local, state, and federal agencies for the positive impact our Swim-A-Cross has on residents of Nassau County.

In the last three years alone, Swim-A-Cross funding has helped this chapter to do a myriad of extraordinary accomplishments.  Some of these notable happenings include: opening 392 cases; assisting 1401 individuals; allocating $182,373 in financial assistance; participating in 2300 military briefings; educating 40,779 participants for community disaster education; opening 13 shelters; and helping 1496 individuals through the Red Cross’ armed forces emergency services.

I want everyone to remember the amazing impact their financial gifts can provide. An investment of $10 can buy three individual first aid kits, or three heated meals or two blankets. A donation of $25 can buy two fire cleanup kits, or a prescription medicine replacement or formula or baby food for a week.  A donation of $50 can buy groceries or a displaced family for one week, or two prescription medicine replacements.  A $100 donation can purchase housing and food for a family for one night, or winter coats for two adults, or clothes for a child who has lost everyone from shoes to mittens.

This is truly a worthwhile cause and I hope to see everyone come out to support the Swim-A-Cross on August 11th. Every dollar counts in supporting the Red Cross.

For more information please feel free to call my office at 516-571-6216. To find out more about donating or volunteering, or to register for the Swim-A-Cross, please visit www.nassauredcross.org.