Ellensburg - The American Red Cross prepares communities for emergencies and keeps people safe in disasters. But this recession has put one local chapter in an emergency of its own. And dwindling donations could close the door on this chapter for good.


They're running on reserves. But it's not enough to last. Right now the Kittitas County chapter of the America Red Cross is $15,000 in the red.

Joni Taylor is a Red Cross volunteer, " My hope is that it stays going, we have a little money in the bank and can keep going a couple more years."

But with unemployment at an all time high, donations have dropped. That means there are also fewer people signing up for CPR and First Aid

" We also offer babysitting classes and impact first aid and a couple of others, but CPR and First Aid are what we depend on to keep revenue flowing in," said Jenny Carkner, Executive Director for Kittitas County Red Cross.

And at $26 a class, that can really add up. The Kittitas County Chapter of the American Red Cross may be struggling, but it's not giving up. And the national organzation isn't giving up on them either. For the first time ever, there will be a national fund raising effort.


" So National is trying to look out for the smaller chapters and say we are part of the same organization, how can we work together to generate some money," said Carkner.

The local chapters will have to meet a set goal with the " Holiday Giving Campaign" to get any of that extra funding. Which means there's still a chance this office could be shut down. Carkner said, " I think that's a possibility, honestly."

Ken Matney also volunteers, " I think it's important to have strong, local chapters so people know that if it's just a simple house fire, we're here to help out."

The Red Cross will push harder for donations... But it knows it's asking a community that's working harder just to survive.

If the Kittitas chapter closes, Red Cross would still be available, it would just take longer for them to get there. They'll know sometime in February how well they did on this new campaign that starts next month.