Red Cross celebrates new location, launches fundraiser

EL CENTRO — The American Red Cross of San Diego and Imperial Counties Thursday may have moved into smaller digs, but the organization’s local manager says there is no reason for residents to expect any drop-off in its service to the community.

“We’re the same old Red Cross,” said Sylvia Preciado-Platero, manager of the Imperial Valley Service Center. “We’re just in a different building.”

The local Red Cross cut the ribbon for its new location at 742 Main St., inside Furniture Palace, on Thursday. The organization previously was located at 781 Broadway since the late ‘60s.

State Sen. Ben Hueso, El Centro Mayor Cheryl Viegas-Walker, El Centro Chamber of Commerce President Terri Rogers and County CEO Tony Rohoutas were among the dignitaries in attendance.

The event also served as the kickoff to a fundraising campaign centered around the organization’s efforts to acquire a new emergency response vehicle.

The emergency response vehicles currently in service here in the county are at least a couple decades old, and the disaster-relief organization has its eye on a larger, more contemporary unit that is expected to cost about $150,000.

Although the Red Cross had been accepting donations designated for the vehicle, Thursday marked a more formal, community-oriented fundraising campaign.

“We know that Imperial County has seen flooding and earthquakes and even fires that have displaced people in our community,” said Sen. Hueso. “We need the support of the Red Cross. We’re here because Red Cross has been an amazing partner.”

PHOTO VINCENT OSUNA Sylvia Preciado-Platero, manager of the American Red Cross’ imperial Valley Service Center, (middle) gives opening remarks during a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning for the Red Cross’s new El Centro location inside Furniture Palace on Main Street in El Centro.

PHOTO VINCENT OSUNA An outside view of the new American Red Cross El Centro location on Thursday morning. The new location is located inside Furniture Palace, 742 Main Street, in El Centro.

PHOTO VINCENT OSUNA Community members and local officials participate in a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday morning to unveil the Red Cross’s new El Centro location inside Furniture Palace on Main Street in El Centro.