Commissioners proclaim March as American Red Cross Month; local volunteer cites growth in services

The Franklin County Commissioners on March 5 adopted a proclamation recognizing March 2025 as American Red Cross Month and received remarks from Gloria Guba, a volunteer leader for the Central Pennsylvania chapter.

"I am honored to represent the executive director of the Central Pennsylvania chapter of the American Red Cross and the many volunteers and partners who support our efforts to serve the people in the communities of Franklin County," Gloria Guba said. Guba told the commissioners the Red Cross’s Central Pennsylvania chapter currently lists at least 29 volunteers based in Franklin County and has responded to 10 disaster events in recent months.

Guba provided county statistics the Red Cross tracks for the chapter’s fiscal year beginning July 2024: 62 blood drives held in the county, 2,375 units of donated blood from Franklin County donors, 173 individuals who received resiliency and preparedness education, and 47 armed‑forces case services provided. She also listed partner organizations that refer or assist clients in Franklin County, including the Franklin County Housing Authority, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County, Waynesboro Community and Human Services, Salvation Army (Chambersburg), South Central Community Action Program and the Franklin County Area Agency on Aging.

The commissioners adopted the proclamation by voice vote. In presenting the proclamation the chair read the document into the record and commissioners thanked Guba and local volunteers; the transcript records the proclamation’s adoption but does not include a roll‑call tally.

Ending: Guba said a potential mass‑shelter agreement with Chambersburg Church of the Brethren is expected to be available on May 9, and she urged continued partnerships to expand volunteer capacity and shelter readiness across the county.