William Penn Life, 1999 (34. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)
1999-06-01 / 6. szám
American Red Cross AI ore than Blood, Bandages and Beds THEY ARE THERE in Oklahoma helping families recover and rebuild after a series of killer tornadoes wiped out entire towns. They are there in several American communities helping Kosovar refugees begin new lives after being forced to flee their war-ravaged homeland. They are there at your local fire hall conducting a CPR training session, at your community pool teaching kids how to swim, and at your church holding a blood drive. They are the volunteers of the American Red Cross. The scope of the services the Red Cross provides and the number of lives its volunteers touch boggles the mind. Every year the American Red Cross responds immediately to more than 60,000 fires, hurricanes, floods, chemical spills and other natural and man-made disasters. It is the nation's largest supplier of blood, plasma and tissue products, supplying almost half of the nation's blood by working with more than 4.5 million donors and 3,000 hospitals. More than 15 million Americans have learned first aid, CPR, swimming and other health and safety skills through classes held by the Red Cross. And, once every 22 seconds, the Red Cross delivers an urgent family message to a member of our armed forces. It's not surprising that the American Red Cross ranks as the largest humanitarian organization in the United States. But, what is a bit surprising is that-despite the variety of services it provides—98% of its total work force are volunteers. And the need for volunteers is constant. If you, your family or your WPA branch is looking for a way to help in your community, your local Red Cross chapter would be a great place to start. No matter what your age, skills or schedule, the Red Cross can help you help others. Volunteers are needed at all levels of the Red Cross, including: + Management-Coordinators of services, leaders of youth councils, supervisors on disaster relief operations, members of state service councils and chapter (local unit) managers. + Direct Service-Armed Forces Emergency Services casework; disaster response, including mass feeding and sheltering of disaster victims, casework assistance, and health and mental health services; training in CPR, first aid, and HIV/AIDS education, supporting bloodmobiles through recruitment The Impact: "My brother and I needed medical attention. The Red Cross gave us vouchers for medical attention and our prescriptions. My family needed shelter. The Red Cross provided a warm place .. .for all of us to sleep. They fed us and made sure we were all right. . . . One organization that I'm willing to give five or my last ten dollars in my pocket to is the American Red Cross. . .. I sincerely hope that no one else in the world ever has to deal with some of the things that I've been faced with. I also sincerely hope that if they do, they have a helping hand and a guiding light to reach for like I (we) did." — J.H., whose family and hometown were devastated by storms and flooding. of donors and registration of donors. + Support Services—Volunteer recruitment, placement, and development; marketing and public relations; fund raising; human resources management; and fiscal managment. + Advisory—Advisory groups to address local needs, consultants, and leadership volunteers on task forces. The Red Cross especially welcomes youth and young adult volunteers and helps them reach their potential by placing them in roles, such as course instruction and fund raising, that will develop their leadership skills and experience. The work of the American Red Cross is made possible by people who have learned how good it can feel to lend a helping hand. Red Cross volunteers come from all walks of life. They're all ages. Each has something special to offer ... including you. Charity Links For more information about the American Red Cross and how you can help, contact your local Red Cross chapter or contact: O American Red Cross Attn: Public Inquiry Office I Ith Floor 1621 N. Kent Street Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: (703) 248-4222 http://www.crossnet.org/ William Penn Life, June 1999 9
