The white cake had the words written in red — swimming, babysitting, CPR, Relief to Fire Victims and 1.3 million helped in Haiti — and on top was a big red cross, the symbol of the American Red Cross.

“I wanted to share our office with everybody,” said Christine Arnold, executive director of the St. Clair County American Red office in Pell City. “We’re out in the community so much, people forget we have an office.”

The local American Red Cross office hosted the Pell City Chamber of Commerce After Hours program Tuesday night.

Arnold said the St. Clair County Red Cross has hosted a couple of chamber coffees, but it was its first time to host an After Hours event.

The event gave Arnold and the rest of the Red Cross workers an opportunity to introduce the public to the local chapter.

“Without these people here, I couldn’t do my job,” Arnold said, pointing to her staff. “I also have good support from my board and the community.”

She said the local American Red Cross office is busy.

In the past two years, the office has helped 139 families find temporary places to stay after their homes were destroyed or damaged by fire.

The local office offers health and safety classes and has helped people pay their utility bills through Project Share.

Arnold said the local Red Cross office has also assisted families in crisis, locating and notifying service members of serious family issues.

“People don’t really know all the things the American Red Cross does,” said Ponda Terry of Pell City, who serves on the organization’s local board.

She also worked at the local office at one time.

“The phone never quits ringing here,” she said. “It’s very satisfying work. I miss it.”

Through the American Red Cross Heroes Campaign, local donations help support programs that help local people.

Arnold said the Odenville Fire Department recently held a bike ride that raised almost $2,000 for the Red Cross.

Tuesday’s After Hours event also served as an unveiling for the newly published Pell City Chamber of Commerce magazine and brochure.

Lynn Batemon, chamber director, announced the release of the magazine and brochure. Both were made available to those in attendance at the program.

Carol Pappas, president and CEO for Partners By Design, which published the magazine and brochure for the chamber, said it was a pleasure to produce the promotional materials. She commended the chamber board, saying the members have shown great vision in marketing Pell City.

“We’re also on Facebook now,” chamber President Bernard White said.

Contact David Atchison at datchison@dailyhome.com.