WILKES-BARRE — It appears the headquarters for the regional chapter of the American Red Cross is moving — across the street to the former Norm’s Pizza location.
American National Red Cross recently purchased the former pizza shop property at 275 N. Sherman St. from the Zapusek family for $1.1 million, according to Luzerne County property records.
Norm’s Pizza and Eatery closed on May 17 after 31 years in business in Wilkes-Barre, the last 23 years at the Sherman Street location.
A Red Cross spokeswoman issued a brief statement Tuesday in response to questions about the purchase.
“We will be sharing more information when our staff moves locations, as to not confuse anyone who currently uses our services. There is no change to Red Cross service delivery, and we will not be leaving this community,” said Nicole Roschella, regional communications director for the Greater Pennsylvania Region.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter serves 12 counties, including Bradford, Carbon, Clinton, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Tioga, Wayne and Wyoming.
Chapters organize disaster relief efforts in their regions, provide training to prepare people for emergencies and support the organization’s blood donation collections.
The fate of the Red Cross’ current chapter headquarters at 256 N. Sherman St. was not immediately clear.
The Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter in Wilkes-Barre is one of six in the Greater Pennsylvania Region that serves 61 counties.
Counties in the Philadelphia area — Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia — are served by the Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter based in Philadelphia.