Carbon County Commissioner Wayne Nothstein is again heading up an American Red Cross campaign in the county.

During the county commissioners' meeting on Thursday it was announced that Nothstein has been named this year's chairman for the American Red Cross Heroes Campaign, Carbon County branch. This is the second time the campaign, which kicks off March 1 and runs through March 31, has been held in the county.Nothstein explained the campaign's goal is to raise money for the local branch of the organization, as well as make community heroes.He said he is now looking for heroes to help raise $1,000 for the campaign. The goal for Carbon County is to raise a total of $12,000 for the program. All proceeds benefit the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley, which helps Carbon, Lehigh, and Northampton county residents in their time of need.Nothstein reminded residents that the money helps local families who have lost everything. He cited the two house fires in Jim Thorpe that claimed the lives of two residents and critically injured another."Anyone can be a hero," Nothstein said, adding that previous heroes for the campaign in the Lehigh Valley have raised money through dress down days, car washes, boot drives, food sales and donations.For more information on helping the campaign, contact Nothstein at work: (570) 325-3611; or contact the American Red Cross local office at (610) 377-2100.The American Red Cross Annual Heroes Campaign began two years ago in the Lehigh Valley area.So what can $1,000 cover?According to the American Red Cross Web site, a hero that raises $1,000 for the campaign, helps cover 200 blankets for people affected by a disaster; clothing for nine children who lost their clothes in a house fire; meals and lodging for five days for a family of three displaced from their home; a baby-sitting skills class for 25 youth; training 22 individuals to learn how to help someone in a cardiac or breathing emergency; training 25 individuals in how to care for their furry friends in case of an emergency; or a Lifeline personal emergency response unit for a senior citizen for 24 months so he or she can live independently while feeling assured they will receive help in an emergency at the push of a button.Last year, the Carbon County branch of the campaign raised $4,000 for the program.