Heroes for Red Cross Campaign kicks-off

Sid Mickle became a hero with the Lee County chapter of the American Red Cross at the same time he became a volunteer in December 2007.

He could have just raised the $1,000 needed to earn the title of “hero” and be done with it, but that wasn’t enough for the longtime Opelika resident.

Mickle was in a position to help beyond the financial donation, so he continued to give.

“I reached a point in my life — I’ve been so fortunate — that it was time to do something,” he said.

Mickle and other Red Cross heroes attended a kick-off reception for the eighth annual Heroes for Red Cross Campaign Tuesday at the Hilton Garden Inn. Heroes and Super Heroes have until the end of March to reach the campaign’s $50,000 goal.

The idea of being a Hero or even a Super Hero — those who commit to raising at least $5,000 — let alone raising $50,000 in the current economy may seem like an insurmountable task to some, but Mickle said anything’s possible with the local Red Cross.

“The economy is the biggest challenge, not the people,” he said. “But this is when people need the American Red Cross the most. It’s more important now than ever.”

Mickle said he feels fortunate that he was able to make the financial contribution himself.

“It’s a level that says I’m serious,” he said.

Now he said he can spend the rest of the campaign focusing on recruiting other heroes and helping organize other fundraising events, including the Heroes Take Flight Fly-In on March 14.

| 737-2534