BURBANK : Red Cross Chapter in L.A. OKs Merger

The American Red Cross Los Angeles chapter’s board of directors Wednesday approved a merger with the group’s Burbank chapter.

The merger is expected to go into effect on July 1.

Three years of deficits led to a 15-5 vote two weeks ago by the Burbank chapter’s board of directors to merge with Los Angeles. All that remains to finalize the merger is a vote by the Red Cross’ National Board of Governors next month, which is expected to approve it. Talks on the merger began six months ago.

The current recession has cut the amount the Burbank chapter receives in donations from both the general public and the United Way. The chapter has also been strained by an influx of those who live in North Hollywood, Sun Valley and Sunland but come to Burbank to get help even though the Burbank chapter cannot solicit donations or recruit volunteers outside of Burbank.

The Los Angeles chapter has promised to maintain services at their same level after the merger. Two Burbank representatives may be brought onto the board of directors, said Ann Sobel, associate manager for the Los Angeles chapter of the American Red Cross.