In rain-soaked clothes, hats and shoes, about 20 Ball State students marched Friday afternoon from LaFollette Field to the Scramble Light in celebration of American Red Cross Month.
The march, sponsored by the Ball State chapter of Delta Gamma Iota, also received help from Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity and the Virginia Ball Center.
"The purpose was to raise awareness for the Red Cross," senior Brian Paul said, community service chair for Delta Gamma Iota and facilitator of the march. "The Red Cross is really misunderstood, and no one really knows what they do or how many lives the staff impacts."
Paul said the Red Cross makes several contributions to the community, including producing lifeguards, running CPR programs and helping firefighters during disaster situations.
"They do so much and are completely not funded by the government, so without people's help they can't do all the good things that they do," Paul said.
After collecting $1 donations at the field, students walked down McKinley Avenue, carrying a banner and handing out red and white balloons.
All donations went to the Hoosier Heartland Chapter of the Red Cross, which is located in downtown Muncie and covers seven surrounding counties, Paul said.
"I hope the students find out what the Red Cross does and know they are available, and the walk will give them a more service-oriented attitude," he said. "It doesn't take that much to help; it only takes $1."
Despite the rain, freshman Michelle Skinner said she was glad she participated in the march because she felt it was a good cause.
"It is important to help out in the community," Skinner said. "I hope (students) gain more appreciation for what the Red Cross does."
Tricia Brasher, director of volunteers at the Hoosier Heartland Chapter of the Red Cross, said she was pleased with the turnout and appreciated students' contributions during the march.
"We had 20 people walking, and that's successful for a first-time event," Brasher said. "It shows a lot, especially in the rain."
Paul said while he is graduating in May, he will still do his best to make sure the march continues next year.
Raising funds is important, but raising awareness is the main thing, he said.
"The Red Cross is a very overlooked organization, and I'd like to change that," Paul said.
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