Date published: 7/9/2006

Rappahannock United Way has received a national award for its disaster-preparedness program.

The Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network honored the umbrella nonprofit agency with an "Outstanding Performance" award at the National Conference on Volunteering and Service in Seattle last month.

The Points of Light Foundation and Volunteer Center National Network, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to mobilizing volunteers, awarded the United Way and 31 other volunteer centers nationwide about $1 million in March for disaster training.

The United Way has worked with agencies such as the Rappahannock Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army to create a disaster-preparedness network throughout the Fredericksburg area.

Through the Adopt-a-Shelter program, the American Red Cross and Rappahannock United Way have designated 57 local school, community and church buildings as Red Cross emergency-shelter sites.

Shelter kits with first-aid supplies, water and food have been stored at several sites.

The United Way and other community partners plan to host a disaster-preparedness training session for churches, nonprofits and businesses on July 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at St. George's Episcopal Church on Princess Anne Street in Fredericksburg.

For registration and other information, call Sarah Walsh at 540/371-5268 or e-mail
Email: wecare@rappahannockunitedway.org.

--Natasha Altamirano

Date published: 7/9/2006