In the last month, the Southwest Oklahoma Chapter of the American Red Cross has supported 10 families that have had house fires. One was in Blair, three in Mangum, one in Hobart, one in Snyder, one in Granite, and three in Altus. Those 10 fires affected 33 people, 16 of them children.

So far the Red Cross has spent a total of $5,355 to help these families. The basic needs the Red Cross provides are: a place to stay for 3 days, clothes and shoes, coats, hats, gloves, rent for first month when relocating, bedding, linens, towels, groceries, cleaning supplies.

During the large Hobart downtown fire, our Red Cross also set up a canteen to provide food and drinks for the area firemen who were fighting the fire.

The American Red Cross does not receive State or Federal funding.The money that our local chapter receives is from donations, fund raisers and our Health and Safety Classes.

The next Red Cross fund raiser is a great family activity. The Harlem Ambassadors, the next generation of the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, are coming Feb. 1, at 7 p.m. to the Altus High School Gym. The ticket prices are very reasonable and those of you who saw the Globetrotters when you were small, know how children love the show. In keeping with that, children 4 and under are free. Children ages 5 and up through high school are $5. Tickets for senior citizens 55 and up are also $5. General admission is $7. Tickets purchased at the door are $2 more. Tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 15 at area banks and credit unions. The Red Cross office at 905 N. Willard in Altus, and the Altus High School Athletic Office at 400 N. Park Avenue in Altus will also be selling the tickets. You won't want to miss this fun event.

For those who would like to donate to help offset the cost of these fires, please send your tax deductible check to American Red Cross, 905 N. Willard, Altus, OK 73521.