RedCrossPhillyBlog

Category: Volunteer

Volunteer Week: Highlighting Nancy Tora’s work in Special Events

Written by: Brian Myers

Since October 2017, Nancy Tora has volunteered for the Red Cross in the Poconos region. She has completed 294 hours of volunteer time since then. Nancy’s multiple roles include her service in the Financial Department, on-boarding new volunteers and working on special projects. Additionally, she has served as a volunteer instructor for Volunteer Services.

I had a chance to briefly talk with Nancy about her volunteer work that she has done all across Eastern Pennsylvania.

Why did you choose to support the Red Cross?

“I previously worked in special education and that job ended. I was ready for a new challenge in my life.”

Where do you do your volunteer work?

“I volunteer at the Stroudsburg office, in the Poconos. And then also in the Wilkes-Barre office and the Scranton office. So, I kind of bounce around.”

What are some of your duties?

“In the Financial Development, I work as the Special Events Planning Assistant or just Special Events Assistant. I’m also a Volunteer Engagement Lead.”

So basically, you work at getting events and financing together?

“Not so much in dealing with the financing. What we do is put together the fundraisers for the Red Cross. For example, last month we just had the big one, the Red Ball in Philadelphia, which was a lot of work but also really glamorous and exciting. It was held at Lincoln Financial Field. And that was really neat.”

How does your work help the community?

“Well, in the financial development it’s all about the fundraising. The money we raise goes to fund the Sound the Alarm events and for when a disaster strikes, the money goes to vehicles, fuel, and food.”

It sounds like you’re really involved then?

“Yeah! I love it. I’m having a really good time and the people I meet are just phenomenal.”

How might other people volunteer to do the same work that you do?

“Actually, it’s really simple. You go to RedCross.org and right there, that first page asks: ‘Are you a volunteer? Do you want to volunteer? And once you fill out that form, the opportunities are just endless. You know, a lot of people, when you say ‘Red Cross’ think it’s just volunteering to help out with disaster assistance and giving blood. That’s a huge part of what the Red Cross does, but there are also so many other opportunities. There are a lot of opportunities to volunteer in the Financial Development and through community outreach. There are so many moving parts in the Red Cross, and no single part is more important than any other one. And I tell people all the time that nothing happens without the volunteers!”

Thanks for your time, Nancy! And come join us as a volunteer! You won’t regret it!

April 17, 2018
Volunteer Week: Highlighting Julie Martinez – Service to the Armed Forces

Written By Diane Coffey

Julie Martinez supports service members, veterans and their families as a Casework Lead and Volunteer leader for the Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces (SAF) in Southeastern Pennsylvania. After moving to the greater Delaware Valley, Julie found herself wanting to do something to help veterans. Julie started with the Red Cross as a SAF volunteer in 2016.

Julie begins her caseload work by giving priority to any notifications of death and making phone calls to military families. Julie’s days are filled connecting clients with resources offered by the Red Cross, the Federal Government, and various non-government agencies. She rounds out her day overseeing the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS) client online data management system, cross training volunteers, and interviewing prospective case workers.

She participates in a monthly conference call with National Red Cross. These monthly calls provide updates and improvements that affect case workers and coaching hints to help volunteers. Sometimes the calls are simply “Kudo Calls” to say great job!

Her dedication and due diligence is demonstrated by one situation when winter temperatures dropped below zero and a veteran had no heat in the home. Julie worked on this case for 24 hours until heat was turned on.

Julie is a military wife who supported her husband throughout his 26-year U.S. Navy career while raising their daughter and son. She comes from a strong military connected family, starting with her Grandfather who served in the U.S. Army in World War II, her father retired with 20-year service in the U.S. Navy, followed by her U.S. Army baby sister who retired with 20 years of services, and two brothers who each completed Army tours.

Last year, the Red Cross of Eastern Pennsylvania provided 3,186 services for military members, veterans and their families. The Service to the Armed Forces (SAF) program dates back to the establishment of the American Red Cross by Clara Barton in May 1881. Today’s American Red Cross workers proudly carry on this tradition through the SAF program, which serves as a critical line of communication between the U.S Armed Forces and their families.

April 15, 2018
That’s a Wrap! March is Red Cross Month

“I request that during that month (March) our people rededicate themselves to the splendid aims and activities of the Red Cross.”–President Franklin D. Roosevelt, first Presidential Proclamation of March as Red Cross Month, 1943

Each year the president of the United States proclaims March “Red Cross Month.” The Red Cross uses this opportunity to thank our supporters, increase public awareness and consideration of Red Cross’ mission and drive contributions.

The City of Philadelphia kicked off the month by flying Red Cross flags around City Hall. They were a beautiful site to see.

While four back to back nor’easters were an unplanned surprise for March is Red Cross Month, the staff and volunteer of Red Cross Eastern PA were prepared. We opened and supported more than half a dozen shelters and warming centers for more than 700 people affected by winter weather.

Even with the bad weather and shelter openings, our volunteers continued to respond to the Red Cross’ most common emergency, home fires. Red Cross of Eastern PA volunteers responded to more than 100 emergencies and home fires during the month of March, assisting more than 450 people. We worked with the Philadelphia Fire Department to install smoke alarms and talk fire safety at three different neighborhoods where fatal fires occurred.

Daylight Saving Time began and people lost an hour of sleep by turning the clocks forward. The Red Cross encouraged people to “Turn and Test” – Turn the clocks and test your smoke alarm.

The Harlem Globetrotters named the Red Cross their “official charity” and we had the opportunity to raise funds and engage our volunteers at nearly 300 performances across the country. Our volunteers “passed the bucket” to collect donations from those attending games in Reading, Allentown, Philadelphia, and Wilkes-Barre.

The Lehigh Valley-Bucks chapter gave a sneak peak of the upcoming 2018 Cabaret and Cuisine: Back to the 80s. Doc Brown even showed up to encourage people to attend the event held Friday April 20^th at Olympus Headquarters in Center Valley.

The Northeast chapter honored 19 local heroes at the NEPA Heroes celebration. The evening celebrated the prior year’s local heroes for using their First Aid, CPR, AED training and/or other actions to save lives or make Northeastern PA a better place to live and work.

The Southeastern chapter hosted Philadelphia’s premier party and best black-tie charity gala, Red Ball. The evening was a big success with more than eleven hundred guests enjoying live entertainment, delicious delight from more than two dozen restaurants, a silent auction and much more at Lincoln Financial Field.

Red Cross Month wrapped up with Giving Day on March 28^th. The Red Cross geared up for the big day, asking people to #help1family. Thousands responded and more than two million dollars was raised to help 28,000 families with urgent relief like food, shelter, and other essentials.

It certainly was a busy month and that’s how we know we are fulfilling the mission of the Red Cross.

March 29, 2018
Local Red Cross Volunteers Participate in Harlem Globetrotters Games

Written by Megan Speight

The World-Famous Harlem Globetrotters returned to Pennsylvania to showcase their skills for an audience of all ages. As the official charity partner of the Harlem Globetrotters, American Red Cross volunteers enjoyed watching the game and participating in the “pass-the-bucket,” a fundraising effort for the Red Cross.

The Globies played the Washington Generals in the game I attended, and after four enjoyable quarters, the Globetrotters proved to be the victors. This was my first Harlem Globetrotters game and I was amazed and entertained just as much as the group of 5-8 year-old girl dancers seated behind me.

As a relatively new volunteer to the Red Cross, my main priority was to assist with the “pass-the-bucket” portion of the program at the start of the third quarter. Because my section was easily accessible from the court, I doubled as an on-court promoter for the fundraiser. My job wasn’t complicated, but I had a few butterflies since I would be in front of close to 7,000 people including my dad and brother who were in the crowd. Luckily, my nerves were quickly put to rest thanks to the incredible team of Red Cross staff and volunteers who were there with me. Everyone was kind and willing to help answer questions.

The game started around 5:30pm after both teams came out onto the court. The Globetrotters gave multiple shout-outs to the World Champion Eagles, which the crowd adored since it was the one-month anniversary of the historic Super Bowl win.

As a “retired” basketball player, the game kept me entertained and in awe from start to finish. The tricks were incredible, the agility of the players was inspiring and the crowd participation was both comical and engaging.

Towards the end of the second quarter, I made my way from me section to the Red Cross table in the lobby to meet the volunteers assigned to be on-court promoters during the Red Cross announcement. As we waited for our cue, we could watch the halftime show, which featured local dance teams. Once it was our cue to head on the court, we showcased the buckets to remind the crowd what to look for as the announcer spoke on the importance of the Red Cross and the impact it has on the region. As I walked off the court, two small children rushed towards me to drop their dollars in my bucket. After that came the surge of other children and adults alike waiting to do the same. The majority of the audience was eager to give what they could from $5 and $10 to coins. All of the donations will help the American Red Cross and the communities it serves to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters big and small.

After ensuring that I had collected from all who wanted to give, I turned my bucket in and headed back to my seat to finish the game. My favorite part was when one of the Washington Generals players “fixed” the scoreboard in favor of them ending with an over 100-point lead. It felt good to “boo” them with the rest of the crowd and laugh when they finally lost at the end. Another favorite was the Globetrotters showcasing their female players. The two current women on the team are the 14^th and 15^th women to wear the Harlem Globetrotters jersey. What made the moment special was that one of the women, Swish (Bria) Young, hails from Philadelphia. The event was so much fun and a great experience supporting a great organization.

March 12, 2018
Red Cross Disaster Response Exceeds The Last 4 Years Combined; Eastern PA Volunteers Contribute
Written by: David Haas

In 2017, the American Red Cross worked harder than ever in its mission “to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers.’

This year Red Crossers delivered more food, relief supplies and shelter stays than the last four years combined. Eastern Pennsylvania volunteers supported many of these efforts, including volunteer deployments for back-to-back-to-back-to-back hurricanes — Harvey, Irma, Maria and Nate – the deadliest week of wildfires in California history, and the deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history in Las Vegas. Learn more about the value of your contribution to 2017 disaster work in this video.

As 2017 comes to a close, Eastern PA Red Cross leaders are preparing a response plan for the devastating and quick-moving wildfires in Southern California, ready to assist local Red Crossers who are opening shelters, and providing food, comfort, and a safe place for thousands of residents displaced from their homes.

The 2017 National Red Cross statistics are staggering. More than 56,000 disaster workers — 92 percent volunteers — provided help to people affected by 242 significant disasters in 45 states and three territories. This year, the need for emergency shelter soared, with the Red Cross providing twice as many overnight stays than it did during the past four years combined. The Red Cross:
- Opened 1,100 emergency shelters to provide 658,000 overnight stays
- Served 13.6 million meals and snacks
- Distributed 7 million relief items
- Provided 267,000 health and mental health contacts
- Supported 624,000 households with recovery assistance
Altogether, Red Cross emergency response vehicles traveled 2.5 million miles to deliver food, relief supplies and support to communities affected by disasters. That’s the same as driving around Earth 103 times.

“There was someone every step of the way with a red vest on letting us know everything was going to be okay,” said Houston-resident Tabitha Barnes, who received Red Cross services after Hurricane Harvey flooded her home.

As volunteers in this region know, the most common disaster is not a hurricane or flood, but rather a home fire. There were nearly 50,000 home fires in the US this year which required Red Cross assistance, and caseworkers helped 76,000 affected families to recover. Eastern PA volunteers respond quickly to local fires, including multiple teams that responded to the November 17^th fire at the Barclay Friends Senior Living Community in West Chester where 140 people were evacuated. Dozens of people wrapped in blankets and sitting in wheelchairs were seen in news reports and being served by the Red Cross at a shelter nearby. The Red Cross House in Philadelphia is another unique resource available to help families and individuals get back on their feet after a house fire with temporary stays.

Eastern PA volunteers also support the Red Cross Home Fire Campaign, working to help prevent home fires and save lives. Since the Campaign launched in 2014, 303 lives have been saved, more than 1 million smoke alarms have been installed, and 940,000 youth have been taught about the importance of fire safety. Hear from Rosie Saunders how having a working smoke alarm saved her daughter’s life: https://vimeo.com/229324955.

And if you have not done so yet, consider donating blood at year-end when donations decline because of the holidays. Also consider a year-end financial donation. An average of 91 cents of every donated dollar goes to providing food, shelter, relief supplies, emotional support and other assistance, as well as supporting the vehicles, warehouses, technology and people that make help possible.
December 8, 2017
Hurricane Relief Efforts Continue Through the Holidays

Written by: Samantha Antenucci

Months after the hurricanes wreaked havoc in Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico, local residents still face hurdles on the path to recovery. While most of us cannot imagine the devastation, local Red Cross volunteers who have traveled to the affected areas have had a first-hand look at the recovery efforts.

When the hurricanes first struck, Red Cross volunteer Heidi Dampman was originally intending to leave for a vacation. When she first heard about Hurricane Harvey, she postponed her plans and took of an extra week of unpaid time off from work to go down to Texas to help. She recalled, “Even if I was going to get fired for taking off, I still would have done it. If I would have lost my job, that would have been alright, because for the first time in my life, I knew I was doing something right.”

September 1, 2017. Woodsboro, Texas An Emergency Response Vehicle delivers hot meals in the town of Woodsboro, Texas where there is still now power a week after the storm made landfall. Photo by Chuck Haupt for the American Red Cross

Dampman’s positive attitude was contagious during her time in Texas where she drove a Red Cross emergency response vehicle into damaged neighborhoods to provide families with hot meals and drinks. As she was setting up for her shift, she had an idea to lift the spirits of the community members. She turned up the music in the truck for the neighborhood to hear, and as soon as she did, young children to the elderly, came out of their homes and started dancing in the streets! Dampman was giving them more than just a hot meal, she gave them hope.

Even though there were some heartwarming stories, Dampman remembers the hardships of her deployment as well. She recalls an image of a family standing outside of their home with all their belongings sprawled out on the front lawn. With an estimated five feet worth of flood damage, their home was destroyed. When she offered the family food and water, they started crying. Dampman said, “It was difficult. You really got attached to the people there.”

Unfortunately, home destruction is not uncommon. John and Jane Hoopingarner, both Red Cross volunteers, worked in spiritual care for victims of Harvey as well. The Hoopingarners were deployed for two and a half weeks to Beaumont and Port Arthur and volunteered to listen, encourage, and work to restore some sense of normalcy to the hurricane victims. When the Hoopingarners arrived, they witnessed “the miles of damage with homes that were flooded to the roof and so many people lost absolutely everything.”

They described how some people were able to return to work and began to start over, but so many people were left homeless and moving from shelter to shelter. While there, the couple lived in and worked in the shelter with other victims, consoling them as much as they could. Mr. Hoopingarner recalled how many were in an emotional and physical downward spiral and how they managed to escape the disaster on helicopters and boats.

Mrs. Hoopingarner shared some of the stories of the people she encountered at the shelter. She shared how a family consisting of a single mother, and her two children, a 12-year-old daughter with disabilities and her 16-year-old son, came to the shelter after the hurricane. The family was in turmoil and Mrs. Hoopingarner consoled the family every day, sometimes twice a day, until her deployment ended. Once she left Texas, Mrs. Hoopingarner described how the mother found a job and started working while the people at the shelter would look after her daughter while she was at work!

When asked what people can do to help the victims of the hurricanes, they emphasized, “Though the recovery is still raw, we ask people not to forget what happened to Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico once the news stops reporting on it.”

Though the damage is done and the news has simmered down, the recovery is still new, raw, and will take years to bounce back.

November 30, 2017
Disaster Dispatch Volunteer Highlight

Red Cross Volunteer Spotlight

Michael McCall Highlight

1-Can you briefly describe your volunteer role as a Disaster Dispatch with Red Cross, and the primary responsibilities of that role?

I act as a communication link; my primary goal is to connect individuals impacted by fires, floods, and natural disasters with Red Cross First Responders. I gather pertinent details regarding each client’s unique situation, and then relay this information to the appropriate local Red Cross team members.

Unfortunately, there is disconnect with the public regarding our mission, and the specific services that we provide so I often receive calls that are out of our purview. That being said, my second responsibility is to act as a human services referral system. I recommend emergency shelters, food banks and utility assistance programs when needed. We endeavor to help all callers, no matter what their reason for calling.

2-How long have you been a disaster dispatcher?

I’ve been a volunteer for the Red Cross since August of 2012. I’m currently volunteering approximately 15-20 hours per week.

3-What made you volunteer for the Red Cross?

I’ve volunteered practically my entire life. First as a Special Olympics Basketball Coach and then as Firefighter. I believe it’s important to give back to your community. I prefer getting my hands dirty versus writing a check, it’s all about sweat equity in my opinion. I was originally attracted to Red Cross because I liked the idea of deployment during an emergency crisis. However, my volunteer path took me in a different direction. During an introductory tour of the building during orientation, I was exposed to our emergency communications department. I was impressed right away and thought that this is something that I good be good at. Its five years later and I haven’t looked back. I love what I do and making a difference in the lives of our clients and the community.

4-What are things you have learned since volunteering for the Red Cross which you didn’t know before?

I always held the ARC in high regard, but since volunteering, what blows me away every day is the passion and commitment of my fellow team members.

5-What is your favorite part of volunteering?

Helping people is the best part of volunteering. Being able to tell someone, don’t worry, we’re going to get you and your family the help you need is an amazing feeling.

6-What is your least favorite part of volunteering?

If you asked me a year ago, I would have told you our technology, specifically our hardware and software. However, in the last 12 months, we’ve gone through several upgrades starting with a new software program, RC View, to new computers. Though there is still room for improvement, we’ve come a long way just in just one year.

7-How would you encourage someone considering a volunteer position to get information on the position?

I often suggest potential volunteers request informational interviews with a current volunteer or manager. I also urge new volunteers to be patient. The Red Cross takes pride in ensuring all new volunteers are vetted and properly screened. The application process takes time. This is done to guarantee the safety of our clients. First start with the on-line application process is very easy to navigate.

8-Can you describe a particular dispatch situation which influenced you most and why?

I signed up to work Christmas Eve last year and I kept receiving calls from parents that didn’t have any money to buy their children gifts. Not wanting to turn them away empty handed, I searched on-line for any local toy drive giveaways. Unfortunately, in many cases I was coming up empty. The last call of the day, was no different, the mother told me that she was desperate to find a way to buy her little girl something to open the next day and it was at this point I realized that I had a $50 Visa Gift Card that I received for my birthday from my sister just a week before was in my wallet. I told the caller that if she could make to the office that she could have the gift card. 30 minutes later the mother and daughter were at our front door. The mother was so thankful and appreciative. The smile on their faces was the best gift I could ever have received.

Written by: Lisa Tomarelli

November 16, 2017
Local High School Senior Forms RC Club

Volunteer Spotlight

By: Elizabeth McLaren

Agnes Han, a senior at Downingtown East High School, knows a thing or two about initiative. With aspirations to become a physician, Han wondered what she could do about the lack of high school clubs available to her that focused on health and wellness.

So she created her own, founding Downingtown East’s Red Cross Club during her junior year to explore her passions and “to get myself and others more involved in helping others medically.”

Her vision produced results. “We started with about five people, but over the course of year, it grew to around 25 people,” Han says. “Officers do most of the work. Our teacher advisor, Mrs. Resnek, helps us when we need it and lets us know when we can hold meetings. Other than that, the students pretty much run the show.”

Han currently serves as club president, and is part of a five-member team of officers including fellow students Jordan Guistwhite as vice president, Megan Osterstag as treasurer, Ian Goodstein as secretary and Kate Dippolito as head of fundraising.

The next order of club business for Han was volunteer training for Red Cross Blood Services with the Tri-County Chapter. She became a Blood Donor Ambassador. “A lot of it was fairly straightforward and things I could learn on the job. I met once or twice with Blood Services to review safety protocols and such,” she says.

Han started doing registration at blood drives after she completed training. “The first thing donors see is us – registration – and it’s my job to get them all signed in and ready to go with a smile on their face,” she adds.

Her first blood drive was also her most memorable. “It was the WMMR blood drive that Preston and Steve hosted. I remember feeling at ease and not at all awkward because all of the other volunteers were so friendly. The one volunteer who I got a chance to talk to a little bit, loved mascots and chased around the man in the Blood Drop costume, wanting to take a picture. She was hilarious,” Han recalls.

With college applications on her agenda these days, Han recognizes that both the Red Cross Club and her volunteer role have helped prepare her for the future. “The Red Cross has shown me the joy in helping others through medicine and I’m glad I joined because I was able to learn a lot about the process of giving blood and the mechanics behind the different types of blood,” she says.

The idea of the club continuing after she graduates is something Han loves. For now, Han said that she and the Red Cross Club members are busy setting up a fundraiser for hurricane relief. They are also hoping to host a blood drive in the spring.

Han has a bit of Red Cross volunteer inspiration of her own, too. She adds, “Get involved early and become an active volunteer! Help out with whatever you can and don’t be afraid to ask questions!”

November 8, 2017
Giving Tuesday With the Red Cross

On Tuesday, December 2, 2014 people from around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. Giving Tuesday is a global day dedicated to giving back. We have a day for giving thanks, two days for getting deals, and on #GivingTuesday charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students will come together to give something more.

The American Red Cross relies on the generosity of those looking to give back to our humanitarian mission. From providing disaster relief, to responding to local emergencies, to educating communities on lifesaving preparedness and training, to supporting our military and their families, our work is only made possible by donors and volunteers.

This #GivingTuesday choose to give your time, your money or your blood to the American Red Cross.

The 2014 American Red Cross Holiday Gift Catalog provides a list of gifts that support our military, ease urgent needs, and help spread global compassion. Gift prices start at $15.00, which will provide fire safety training and the installation of one fire alarm to help keep families safe and prepared. Gift prices range all the way to $1,000.00, providing a full day of emergency shelter for 20 people, which includes three meals, two blankets, one cot, snacks and personal hygiene supplies. Free gifts are included with donation while supplies last. For a complete list of gifts, please click here.

In addition to making a financial donation, volunteering your time is another way to contribute to #GivingTuesday. Getting involved is an easy way to give back to your local community this holiday season. To join the team of volunteers delivering care and compassion to those in need everyday, please click here. And don’t forget that the American Red Cross supplies more than 40% of the nation’s blood supply, so we are always in need of more donations. You can sign up to make a blood donation or host a virtual blood drive right on our website.

Now here’s the best part. Throughout the day on #GivingTuesday the American Red Cross of Eastern Pennsylvania will be following along on social media as you tweet, post, like, and share how you are contributing to #GivingTuesday. You can take a photo, video, or post an #UNSelfie of your #GivingTuesday activities to join in the worldwide movement. We look forward to seeing the global impact of everyone’s contributions and activities on #GivingTuesday and hearing all about #WhyIGive.

-Submitted by Jessica Webb, Communications Volunteer

November 24, 2014
Helping Veterans

The people who serve our armed forces are very essential to the safety and protection of the freedom, inalienable rights, and security of our great nation. However, sacrifice for the good of the nation for many soldiers is often one to their own well-being.

While enduring the horrors of war and living a life estranged from that of a civilian, many develop and suffer from PTSD and lose touch with life outside of war and duty. Furthermore, there are many veterans who still suffer these ills developed from heeding the call to duty. Therefore, it is important that those serving or who have once served be honored today for their selflessness. Veterans Day should not be merely looked upon as just another bank holiday but as a celebration to those who give up their sanity, health, and former existence for the sake of maintaining our freedom.

Through its volunteer work and services given to veterans and soldiers, the Red Cross does just that. The Red Cross provides Reconnection Workshops which help post-deployed soldiers reconnect with their families and reintegrate into civilian life through the help of mental-health professionals. Also, it offers a Coping with Deployment course used to help families of the deployed cope with the departure of their loved ones.

Locally, the Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania recently held a Veterans Day Ceremony at the 23^rd Street Armory in Philadelphia. American Red Cross Divisional Disaster Executive and retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Marine Corps, Scott Graham delivered the keynote address honoring all who served in the United States Military. Lt Col Graham said that, while serving in Iraq, he was grateful for a Red Cross Emergency Communication about the passing of his mother in law. In his last tour of duty, he served with several superior officers who were also in Vietnam. He told a story of returning to a celebratory homecoming and how much that meant to his superiors, who had returned from Vietnam to silence and shame.

After the ceremony, Red Cross employees, volunteers and members of the Girard Academic Music Program Red Cross Club distributed, 200 “Totes of Hope”(See Photos)to four local veteran’s service organizations that support homeless veterans in the Philadelphia area: Support Homeless Veterans, The Veterans Group, Safe Haven and Project Home. The totes contained items like toothbrushes, soap, dental floss, band aids, t-shirts, socks, rain ponchos and pocket tissues. In addition, there was information about essential support programs offered by local agencies.

It is programs such as these that demonstrate the Red Cross initiative to remember those who have fought and suffered on the country’s behalf. Knowing that such programs exist for these dedicated men and women makes me very proud to serve as a volunteer for the Red Cross.

— Submitted by Communications Volunteer Betty Thomas

November 18, 2014