3/2/11 - A rash of recent fires is prompting local officials to put out the call for donations to help supplement the local Red Cross chapter’s disaster action team. Putnam Township Fire Chief Greg Amburgey also serves as Chairman of the Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross’s Board of Directors. He says the community is being encouraged to step up and donate through a workplace giving program. He says there have been roughly 43 fires in the county in the past fiscal year and the disaster action team budget is already depleted. The team helps to take care of emergency service men and women while out on fires, tornadoes or floods and the non-profit operates strictly on donations. When on scene, the disaster action team takes care of emergency service providers with hot or cold beverages depending on the season as well as dry clothes. He says the program was implemented a year ago and it has been working well but their trying to spread the word that it’s available to anyone. He says the donations, no matter how small, add up and help replenish items for disaster services. Amburgey adds that the community has always come forward to help out but the support is needed more now than ever during the tough times. Anyone interested in setting up a workplace giving program can contact the Livingston County Chapter of the American Red Cross in Howell at (517) 546-0326. (JM)