Red Cross running low on funds

We have been reporting how the struggling economy has hurt local non-profits. Well, even one of the oldest, most prominent organizations, in our community is also in trouble.

The Cape Fear chapter of the American Red Cross has downsized significantly in the past few months.

Chapter executive director Vicki Labelle says they have gone from 10 full-time employees to three.

The downsizing happened after the budget dropped by nearly $200,000 due to loss of funding and fewer donations.

Emergency services director Victoria Kling said, “Right now we are at a critical low in terms of donated dollars.”

Kling says the Red Cross is also hurting for volunteers. She says the organization is still prepared for this coming hurricane season.

What the financial crunch will affect, is the organization’s ability to help victims of day-to-day disasters like house fires.