be held at Troy St. today

By AMY S. LANSDON

News Editor

The Pike County Chapter of the American Red Cross became active yesterday after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington.

Jane Thrash, community development specialist for the Pike County Chapter of the American Red Cross, said the American Red Cross, the Troy State University Student Government Association and the TSU Baptist Campus Ministries, have put together a "massive, emergency blood drive" to be held today from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. at the TSU Adams Center Ballroom.

"We need as many pints as possible," Thrash said. "The American Red Cross is sending pints of blood and we need to replenish our supply to be able to send more and to have a supply at home in case we need it."

Thrash encourages everyone to come to TSU and give blood.

"We need all types of blood," she said. "We are not looking for a certain amount. We just need as much as we can get."

Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford is also urging everyone to give blood at TSU today. The mayor talked with a friend whose daughter works in a Manhattan hospital. She expressed the desperate need for blood and blood products.

Thrash began fielding phone calls from people in Pike County looking for information on relatives who live in the area of the attack, people working in the World Trade Center and Pentagon, people on flights going to and from Washington and New York, and military personnel.

"We have a 1-800 number for the command center in emergency cases," Thrash said. "Anyone who needs information can call the Pike County American Red Cross office for the number."

In addition to the blood drive and assisting people looking for information, the Pike County Chapter of the American Red Cross Disaster Team has been placed on alert status.

"We placed the Disaster Team on alert status so it will be prepared if anything happens locally," Thrash said.

Members of the Disaster Team are Lawrence Bowden, Rhonda Miley, Johnny Gibson, Deslie Galloway and Larry Davis. Members of the team are on 24-hour standby.

The Pike County Chapter is also taking disaster money donations. This money will be earmarked for use in Pike County if the need arises.

Anyone interested in sending money can mail it to Pike County Chapter American Red Cross, Attn. Jane Thrash, 404 East Elm Street Rear, Troy, AL 36081.

The Pike County Chapter of the American Red Cross is on call 24-hours a day.

To contact the local office call 334-566-0632. Thrash may be reached by pager at 334-519-4133, cell phone at 334-464-7011 or at home at 334-735-2004.