Mayor declares Thursday 'Red Cross Day'

City officials are encouraging residents to give extra support to the Red Cross this week.

Athens Mayor Ric Abel declared Feb. 22 as Red Cross Day, according to a city news release. The Athens County chapter will celebrate the kick-off to its First Capital Campaign with a reception Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Athens Community Center, 701 E. State St.

The chapter hopes to raise $250,000 in pledges during the next five years. This money will increase the amount of services the chapter provides to Southeast Ohio and should guarantee the chapter's long-term stability, according to the release.

The Athens County Red Cross chapter is a non profit-organization that provides a variety of community services to county residents.

—  Erica Solvig