The DeKalb County chapter of the Red Cross will spend American Red Cross month a bit differently than other national chapters.

“We’re going to use this month to gain public recognition,” said Kathy Glascock, director of the DeKalb County chapter, 155 N. 3rd St., DeKalb.

Glascock said the chapter’s lack of volunteers and involvement in services for military families have prevented it from using the month for anything other than publicity.

“We had a booth set up at NIU’s Springshow on March 9 and 10,” Glascock said. “There was a fair amount of volunteering and scheduling for (Red Cross) classes,” she said.

A Red Cross flag is being displayed both in DeKalb and Sycamore to remind the communities of the month, Glascock said.

The local chapter is participating in the American Red Cross Gulf Crisis Fund, Glascock said.

“The fund is used to benefit all the people who have or will receive Red Cross service since the Gulf crisis,” Glascock said.

The chapter’s services to military families include relaying messages to military members or offering service referrals, Glascock said.

“Some chapters have had to expand because of the demand the Gulf crisis has created,” Glascock said. “Chapters on some military bases haven’t even been able to perform normal functions,” she said.

“Since last August, we’ve had about 50 contacts or referrals,” Glascock said.

Glascock said donations to the fund can either be made to the local chapter or can be sent to P.O. Box 37243, Washington D.C., 20013.

Glascock said the chapter will begin concentrating on fund raising in April.

The chapter is considering holding a “tag-day” on April 5 and 6, Glascock said. The event would involve volunteers giving out Red Cross “tags” or pins after collecting donations in cans at local establishments, she said.

“This summer, the chapter would like to begin an annual ‘Swim Across’ that would involve volunteers swimming laps in the area pools for money pledges,” Glascock said. “We would like to see this get as big as the ‘Big Brothers/Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake'” she said.

Glascock said the chapter needs recognition because it began when two smaller chapters merged in January last year.

“People need to realize that we are now the only county chapter and we need community support,” Glascock said.