Every member of RCARS has contributed financially toward the furtherance of the corporation’s goals. However, the cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining the sophisticated equipment of these systems limits our ability to accomplish all that we need to achieve.
Amateur radio operators are disallowed by federal law from receiving payment of any kind for their services. What these men and women do to get messages through in the aftermath of a disaster is done freely out of a desire to serve. These operators are the means of communications of last resort. If all else fails, the amateur radio operator gets the job done, but since they cannot receive pay for their services, RCARS steps in as an enabler. However, RCARS cannot work to keep the communications open without your help.
In addition to being vulnerable to destructive hurricanes, Robeson County has had more tornadoes than any other county in the state. We must have the very best emergency communication systems we can devise.
We cannot prevent disasters from overloading or destroying our usual means of communication. We cannot stop the weather or toxic spills or airplane crashes.
The Robeson County Amateur Radio Society, Inc. is already making plans for even more communication capability:
- A wide range radio repeater capable of covering several counties and linking with other states. What a blessing this would have been during the 1984 tornado!
- Station equipment, so that Robeson County can call on outside assistance and information through a state-wide network during times of large scale crises.
- The installation of antennas at all primary designated shelters in the county. Four are already in place, but we still need more to enable communication with emergency services.
Your Contribution Can Make It Happen!
Contributions should be made payable to:
Robeson County Amateur Radio Society, Inc.
% Bill Chism, Treasurer
1021 Riverside Blvd.
Lumberton, NC 28358
For your records, our Internal Revenue Service Employer Identification Number (EIN) is: 56-1836151