The Hawkeye Chapter is busy preparing for CPR Sunday on March 7, 2010 at the UNI Wellness & Rec Center in Cedar Falls. This is an annual event to train community members in CPR/First Aid at a greatly reduced cost. It is fun way to learn to save a life - take the training with a friend or two. Visit http://www.hawkeyechapter.org/ to for more information and to register. Or call 319-234-8851.

If you have cabin fever (like us!) start making your summer plans now.

Are you going to sign up your kids for Red Cross swimming lessons at your area pool?

We also have a great list of Lifeguarding and Water Safety Instructor courses at http://www.grantwood-redcross.org/ under Services, Health and Safety, Aquatics. It truly is more than just a job, it is an experience that can save a life!

Any great lifeguarding stories out there? We'd love to hear about them.

Gatherings is holding a Hearts for Haiti fundraiser to support Red Cross efforts in Haiti. Every Friday evening from 5 pm - close, now through Feb 13, 2010 donations will be collected and a portion of the night's proceeds will go to relief efforts. Gatherings in located at 905 3rd Ave, SE in Cedar Rapids.

Red Cross Responds in Haiti

Here is what you need to know about what the Red Cross is doing to help with the earthquake response in Haiti:

Aid is still getting to those who need it despite a recent strong aftershock and huge logisitical challenges.

The Red Cross is reaching survivors outside of the capital city with food, water and medical supplies. The American Red Cross is working with the World Food Program and providing 3 million pre-packaged meals for distribution. So far, 100 tons of aid has reached Haiti and more is coming.

This is an enormous relief effort and we know it will be a long term recovery - the Red Cross will be there throughout.

What is the best way to help?
People can make a financial donation by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-Red-Cross or texting 'Haiti' to 90999 to make a $10 contribution.

If you are raising funds for this response and plan to donate them to the American Red Cross please contact your local chapter - Hawkeye Chapter Wloo/CF 319-234-6831 or Grant Wood Chapter in CR/IC 319-393-3500.

Thank you for your generosity!

Since the information is changing at a rapid rate you can always get the latest updates at www.redcross.org