The Camden County American Red Cross has been located in our new building at 5424 Route 70, in Pennsauken, since September 7, 2007. We have completed the renovation of the second floor, which we are occupying while we wait for further construction and renovation.

Along with our commitment to continue our services in our new facility, the headquarters will feature a modern Blood Donor Center on the first floor that will be used primarily for pheresis donations to assist cancer patients who must have special blood products to survive. Moving this operation from the current Cherry Hill site to our new headquarters now will allow us to expand our capabilities, with evening, Saturday and Sunday hours.

Our subsequent plans include the construction of a 3000 square feet addition for vital activities such as preparedness and safety training, as well as community and volunteer meetings. We also must resurface the parking area to accommodate up to 50 vehicles, which will allow us to keep our disaster and blood services trucks and cars on the premises for emergencies. The cost for the complete project is approximately $1,315,000.

Our target date for beginning construction and renovation is July 1, 2008. Currently we are in the process of raising the necessary funds to make this project a reality. We need everyone's help, Find out how you can become involved with the project by calling the Chapter at 865-365-7100.