The Ohio River Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross will be hosting “Roundup for the Red Cross” the week of Feb. 1-7. The event will be held in conjunction with local grocery stores.

“I think the concept of getting a little bit from everyone is going to make more sense these days, than people who can give a lot,” Mary Arnzen said.

Area grocery stores will be asking customers if they would like to round up for the Red Cross when they check out.

“If someone’s bill is $14.50 they would be asked to round up to $15 and 50 cents would go to the Red Cross. This way everyone can give a little,” Arnzen said.

Some stores will be doing things a little different and just asking people if they would like to donate to the Red Cross a $1 or $5. Some stores will ask you to round up and others will ask for a donation.

“We gave about $70,000 worth of services to our community in 2008. It’s a consistent battle for us to provide services and have enough money to do it,” Arnzen said.

There is always the factor of the unknown for services like the Red Cross. It’s next to impossible to know when disaster is going to hit the area or when someone’s house is going to burn down.

Something the Red Cross tries to do is budget for the unknown disasters to make sure services are available to the people who need them and when they need them.

Proceeds collected will benefit Red Cross disaster services and victims.

Area grocery stores participating include: Blackburn’s Supermarket in New Boston, Country Store in Lucasville, Deemer’s Supermarket in Wheelersburg, Gahm’s Pharmacy in Lucasville, Minford Shop Wise in Minford, Save-A-Lot Lucasville, and Lucasville, Portsmouth, Waverly and West Side IGA in West Portsmouth.

For more information about the Red Cross and ways to donate, visit them at 614 Glover St. in Portsmouth or call 354-3293 or visit their website at www.ohiorivervalley.redcross.org.

Wayne Allen can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 208.