East Cooper Briefs

Jeffers, Igoe begin AmeriCorps service

On March 3, Ervin Jeffers and Samantha Igoe, of Charleston and Mount Pleasant respectively, deployed to begin work on their first service projects of the year with the National Civilian Community Corps, an AmeriCorps program.

Founded in 1994, the group is a residential national service program created to assist with disaster relief, improve the environment, enhance education, increase public safety and address unmet human needs.

Jeffers trained to be one of 36 team leaders at the Central Region campus. He will be responsible for managing 10-12 corps members.

His team's first project is with Habitat for Humanity in Beaumont, Texas.

Igoe trained in Denver for 10 months of full-time service. She will be responsible for a series of six- to eight-week-long service projects as part of a 10-12 person team.

Her first service project is with rebuilding group Grey Hut, Pass Christian, Miss.

Igoe is a Wando High School graduate and attended Charleston Southern University. Jeffers attended Academic Magnet High School.

Red Cross month in Mount Pleasant

Mount Pleasant Mayor Harry Hallman and Carolina Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross officials recently proclaimed March "American Red Cross Month" in the town.

Last year the chapter responded to 427 local emergencies, assisted 1,092 military families and trained 10,725 people in lifesaving skills, said Paula Heinauer, chairman of the Carolina Lowcountry Chapter's board of directors.

The American Red Cross received its congressional charter in 1905.

The Carolina Lowcountry Chapter is required to provide disaster relief, but receives no government funding for that purpose. The chapter must raise funds to offset the rising cost of providing disaster relief services.

For more information on the Carolina Lowcountry Chapter's upcoming programs, call 764-2323.