United Way Cuts Red Cross Funds

Central Missouri’s Red Cross chapter is trying to find $90,000 after it lost United Way funding for next year. The United Way recently announced which community charities it would support in its upcoming budget and the Red Cross, along with six other community organizations, was not one of them.The Heart of Missouri Red Cross chapter says they responded to 178 fires in 2011, which impacted more than 11,000 people. However, the United Way says that did not meet requirements to receive its funding.The organization has restructured the way it gives out funds and looks at different elements including education, income, health and safety net services.Now the American Red Cross Missouri chapter has to look for other ways to fill that large hap, but they say they will not be making any cuts in the programs they offer. Classes for CPR training, babysitting, and first aid will continue without course fee increases. The Red Cross hopes to talk with corporations and companies to pitch workplace giving campaigns.The Red Cross says it could take up to three years to fully replace the $90,000 worth of funding.