Local Red Cross Chapter Launches Social Media Website to Attract Volunteers

Nov. 18, 2009 - PRLog -- Wilmington, NC—The Cape Fear Chapter of the American Red Cross, working with local social media group SayItSocial, has launched an interactive social media website called "Cape Fear Connect." The new website http://arccapefearconnect.com/, is completely social media-driven with live tweets, fan page status updates, and a staff and volunteer generated blog. The Cape Fear Chapter is embracing technology and expanding its reach beyond its standard website, http://www.arccapefear.org, to attract volunteers in the event of a disaster.

“We wanted to help the Red Cross step outside of the box by having a site dedicated to social media. This is going to be the best way to get up-to-date information on what is happening in the Cape Fear region,” said Ty Downing, Vice President of SayItSocial.

The Cape Fear Chapter provides services and programs in five counties: New Hanover, Brunswick, Duplin, Pender and Columbus. In addition to daily status updates and tweets, the site also features e-mail addresses on the homepage that will connect residents in each of the previously listed counties to local volunteers.

“We do not have offices in each of the counties we serve.  Adding e-mail addresses to the site that are county specific will help us engage those communities and let them know we have volunteers in place that are knowledgeable and want to provide assistance with their needs,” said Vicki LaBelle, Executive Director of the Cape Fear Chapter.

Another element that has been added to the site is the video feature.  The Cape Fear Chapter has a YouTube account and is in the process of creating informational and educational videos to aid the public.  The videos currently on the site focus on three specific topics: Preparedness, Training, and Volunteers.

To learn more about American Red Cross programs, services, events, and opportunities in the Cape Fear area, check out the local chapter’s new site at http://www.arccapefearconnect.com

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About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and counsels victims of disasters; provides nearly half of the nation's blood supply; teaches lifesaving skills; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its humanitarian mission.