Why I Am Passionate About Military Services

If you ask me who my hero is, well I can tell you he does not exist in comic books. He is a man overflowing with courage and bravery. Everyday for the past 9 years he has devoted his life to the United States Army. Awarded the purple heart 4 years ago, he has risked and almost lost his life for our country. His current temporary residence, Afghanistan. Just as I support him I support the entire military community.

Now that I have introduced you to my hero and briefly discussed one of my connections to the military ( I had to sum it up because I can talk forever on this subject) you now know the root of my passion. Now you can understand my true commitment and devotion to Red Cross military services.

 Transitioning from a Service to the Armed Forces Intern to an AmeriCorps member with the American Red Cross Central Valley Region I continue to support the military community. For the past 13 months I have supported Red Cross emergency communications as a SAF caseworker. Following up with service members and their families it is my goal to ensure all of their needs are met. I have developed relationships with other organizations serving veterans, military members and their families within the Central Valley. Establishing these relationships has increased my knowledge and awareness of other services for client referrals. Attending Yellow Ribbon events, briefings and military resource fairs I am able to share and distribute information about Red Cross military services. Ultimately, I want to do everything that I can to support all veterans, service members and their families. The Red Cross supports the military community and I want to assure you that the Red Cross will be there for our veterans, armed forces and families.

Why AmeriCorps and Red Cross? What am I doing?

In February I celebrated my one year Red Cross anniversary! It was over a year ago that I joined the Red Cross Central Valley Region as a Service to the Armed Forces intern. At the time I was a senior at California State University Fresno and in need of an internship to complete a certification in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership. Reflecting upon the past I am glad that I chose the Red Cross as my internship site. After completing my 300 hour internship I was given the opportunity to continue to serve the Central Valley and support the Red Cross mission as an AmeriCorps member.

I chose to become an AmeriCorps member because it is important to me that I serve my community and make a positive and lasting contribution to society. In addition I wanted to continue to be a part of an organization that I know is doing amazing work within the Central Valley. As John F. Kennedy stated, "Ask not what your country can do for you-but what you can do for your country".

 Over the past seven months I have touched many areas within many Central Valley communities. One of the main purposes of my position is to educate the community in the area of emergency preparedness. So far I have trained over 1,000 individuals in emergency preparedness and have reached nearly 4,000 community members through community events. I have trained 13 emergency preparedness leaders, including an awesome California State University Bakersfield intern. I have been trained as a Disaster Action Team member and respond to disaster calls. I even responded to the Hanford train derailment. In addition to emergency preparedness and disaster services I have continued to be actively involved with Red Cross Service to the Armed forces. I am a caseworker for 5 counties within the Central Valley. Currently I am the Veteran Affairs Voluntary Services Deputy Representative for the Fresno VA Medical Center and a member of FCF. I attend yellow ribbon events, military briefings and resource fairs.

 Being an AmeriCorps member with the Red Cross has opened many doors. I have been provided with the opportunity to gain further experience as a leader and apply my skills to help others.

-Jessica Marquez, NPRC AmeriCorps Member

Reflection: Central Valley Veterans Stand Down

 The Central Valley Veterans Stand Down took place last month, September the 18^th through the 21^st. I am thankful that I had the opportunity to volunteer at such a wonderful event on behalf of the American Red Cross. It is an event that has a lasting impact on the lives of both those who volunteer and receive services.

 For those who are not familiar with what the Stand Down is I will further explain. The Stand Down is an event organized by the organization, Central Valley Veterans with the help of numerous agencies and led by Director John Schuler. The event lasted 4 days and offered veterans services and homeless veterans were able to stay overnight at the facilities. Among the services offered included, application for California Identification Cards, Social Security Cards, employment opportunities, medical referrals and mental referrals. Veterans that chose to stay overnight at the facility were provided meals, clothing, personal hygiene supplies and access to showers. Among the list of presenters at the opening ceremony was the mayor of Fresno, Ashley Swearengin and Secretary of California, Department of veteran Affairs, Peter Gravett.

 Every year the Red Cross participates in this extraordinary event by providing comfort kits. The comfort kits include items such as shampoo, soap, a toothbrush and toothpaste. In addition, the Red Cross provides cots for the veterans that are staying overnight at the Stand Down.

 The Stand Down is an amazing event for so many reasons. It provides a safe place to stay for homeless veterans and provides easy access to services that they are in need of, but were out of reach of. Veterans who participate are given items they can use there and take with them when they leave. For the 4 days Veterans receive 3 meals a day. A person should never have to worry where their next meal will come from, something so many of us take for granted. There is a sense of unity that you can feel. Everyone there was either a veteran or has a passion for helping veterans. When you join the military you enter a brotherhood and sisterhood that is life long, being at the Stand Down I could definitely feel that. As a veteran you are surrounded by people who fought the same battles, who made the same sacrifices and felt that same pain and fears.

 Personally, I absolutely loved volunteering at the Stand Down, it fed my passion. As a volunteer I was welcomed by John Schuler and the veterans assisting with the event. I remember looking around in awe of everyone there, each generation, knowing that they have fought for our country and now we must fight for them. These veterans are struggling, but I loved that during this event they can gain resources and hope. Seeing everyone laugh and share stories was priceless.

 I, along with the American Red cross want to do everything that we possibly can to help military members, veterans and their families. I highly encourage everyone to become involved and help at this event next year.

-Jessica

New Member, Jessica!!

The door at the American Red Cross is one that is revolving. We are people helping people. You can receive services and later join our amazing team as a volunteer or staff member and give back. My own personal journey began in February when I was a student at Fresno State. Thrilled, I joined the American Red Cross office in Fresno as a Service to the Armed Forces Intern. As an intern I had the opportunity to gain leadership experience while doing exactly what I love, providing services in the time of need to military members and their families.  During my time spent as an intern I also learned various skills and had the opportunity to teach the community how to be prepared in the event of a natural or domestic disaster. I took advantage of my internship and learned all that I could about Red Cross services and how we help people. At the end of the day nothing matters to me more than helping my community in any way that I can. Therefore, I greatly appreciate the opportunity the American Red Cross has given me to join the team as an AmeriCorp member. I will now serve as a Preparedness Coordinator and will work out of the Visalia office, serving the counties of Kings, Tulare and Kern.

Bakersfield Preparedness Rally

(Left, me & Right, Gaby)

New Look, Same Red Cross.

The American Red Cross officially unveiled its new logo in early January, featuring the iconic Red Cross in a button, to symbolize the personal investment of volunteers, employees and supporters in the Red Cross mission. The Red Cross, one of the world’s most recognized and trusted brands, has historically represented hope, safety on the battlefield, and care in crisis.

This new look is designed to reflect the organization as it is today: modern, authentic and innovative. The updated identity is meant to appeal to both long-time Red Cross supporters and an entirely new generation of volunteers and donors, eager to show their affiliation with the organization. This presentation of the Red Cross logo is similar to the lapel pins and buttons worn by Red Cross supporters in the early part of the 20th century.

While most people think of disaster relief and blood donation when they think of the Red Cross, the updated brand identity is meant to invite people to learn more about the organization and its mission.”We want to show more people how they can be part of a Red Cross that intersects with their lives in many ways,” said Peggy Dyer, chief marketing officer of the Red Cross. “We’re proud of both our history and our future. We look forward to telling our story to a wider audience and the new brand identity is an important step in that process.”

The American Red Cross will continue to roll out its new look when it debuts a redesigned corporate website later this year. The new site will feature the logo button, updated graphics and an enhanced use of photography. It will also feature user-generated content to allow individuals to share their Red Cross experiences.

The American Red Cross is currently developing a public-service ad campaign that will feature stories of people whose lives have been touched by the Red Cross mission.

Truly Serving our Armed Forces - Welcome Jessica!

Some people have to spend half of their lives searching for the answers that will lead them to the discovery of their “life purpose”, but as for me that is completely opposite. At a young age I came to terms with the fact that my very purpose in life is to help others and save lives. Since then I have dedicated my life to providing assistance to those in need and helping empower the people within my community.

It is my life experiences that have fueled my passion to work with veterans, military members and their families. One day I stopped and took a moment to reflect upon the people around me, it is then that I realized I was surrounded by real life heroes. I am a daughter, niece, cousin and friend of a veteran. These men and women have touched my life and serve as my inspiration. I know first hand about the sacrifices and experiences that military members and their families make. Therefore, my ultimate goal is to volunteer and obtain a career within an organization that provides services to promote the health and well being of military members and veterans.

Conducting my internship at the American Red Cross and working with their Service to Armed Forces program has given me the ability to work with veterans, military members and their families. I have the opportunity to provide services that will have a lasting impact on the lives of military members and their families. I can relate to the challenges and at times overwhelming emotions that my clients are experiencing and I want nothing more than to provide them with comfort, reassurance and quality services.
On behalf of the American Red Cross Central Valley Region we would like to welcome Jessica Marquez to the Services to the Armed Forces department.

What Holiday Mail for Heroes Means To Me...

There’s been quite a bit of talk on this here blog about the Holiday Mail for Heroes Campaign, but in case you’re just now hearing about it for the first time, I encourage you to read on. Today I’d like to share with you my 2011 Holiday Mail for Heroes experience.

For the fifth time, the American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have partnered together to provide Americans with an opportunity to send holiday cards to United States service members, veterans, and their families. Anyone is welcome to participate, which is why I when I was approached by Mrs. Regier, Principal of Marshall Elementary School to come out and participate in their Holiday Mail for Heroes card creation and signing party I couldn't resist!

When Anya Goosev, our Regional Community Resource Manger and I showed up I was thrilled to see 30 first graders and a mountain of signed Holiday cards. So in order to explain what the program was all about and who the Red Cross is, I kicked off our morning by talking to these 30 six- and seven-year-olds about the mission and the work of the Red Cross.

My questions, “Have any of you heard of the American Red Cross?”, “What does the American Red Cross do?”, and “How does the American Red Cross help people?” prompted quite a few interesting answers, comments, and stories about things that are red, various kinds of crosses, thunder and lightning storms, and stopping/dropping/rolling. After the fifth or sixth “One time, when I was three, I heard thunder outside my window” story (think “One time, at band camp…”), I was able to bring the kids back around to why I was there, and we moved on to discussing the support the American Red Cross provides to the United States Military.

I could see on these children’s faces that the idea of someone – anyone – not getting to spend the holidays with their family was foreign. A couple of children, whose parents aren’t even members of the Armed Forces, actually asked me if their dads would have to go away for Christmas this year.

Six- and seven-year-olds have not quite yet mastered the art of writing, so while they all “signed” their names and wrote some sort of greeting (or something loosely resembling that), their cards were decorated primarily with stickers, colored markers, and cutouts . But nonetheless every card made by those Marshall Elementary students was made especially for our Nation's Heroes.

This activity was an incredibly rewarding one for me. I love talking about the Red Cross, especially to children, and I love providing children with an opportunity to make a difference. Today I was able to do both, and I have no doubt that the students of Marshall Elementary enjoyed the art project and learned a little something about the Red Cross and its place in our community, not to mention the cool totes they all received from PG&E.

Although it's a little too late to send in a Holiday Card, you could still do your part and become a Red Cross volunteer for our Service to the Armed Forces Department or help distribute the 3,000 cards we have received this season. For more information, please contact Alex Villa at alex@arccentralvalley.org or call (559) 455-1000.

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

MALDIVES: Last week the Maldivian Red Crescent became the 187th member of the IFRC at its 18th General Assembly in Geneva. The process of forming the new National Society began in the wake of the devastating 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which affected over 27,000 people in the Maldives. These low-lying islands will be among the most threatened territories should sea levels rise significantly.

YEMEN: Two ICRC staff members and a Yemen Red Crescent Society volunteer who had been briefly held by armed individuals in a village in Lahj governorate, southern Yemen, returned to Aden. On November 22nd, they left to distribute food rations and essential household items to displaced people in Lahj, but were prevented from returning to their office. The ICRC was in regular contact with them after the incident occurred, and contacted the authorities and other leaders in the area to request their assistance in arranging for the prompt return.

NIGER: The ICRC is providing support for a major immunization campaign against meningitis that began last week in the Agadez area of northern Niger. The ICRC is supporting the campaign in the districts of Arlit and Tchirozérine, where over 58,000 people aged one to 29 will be vaccinated by the first week in December.

IRAQ: Over the past two weeks the ICRC, in a joint Iranian-Iraqi operation, found the remains of 103 Iranian and Iraqi soldiers in Al-Fao, southern Iraq, who went missing during the 1980-1988 war between the two countries. In its capacity as a neutral intermediary, the ICRC provides support for the efforts of the Iranian and Iraqi authorities to account for those who went missing during the war and to ease the suffering of their families.

SOMALILAND (SOMALIA): While Southern and Central Somalia carry the brunt of the East Africa food crisis, Somaliland has not escaped the effects of recurrent droughts and political violence. At the newly-established Sheikh Omar Internally Displaced People's (IDP) camp, the Somalia Red Crescent has been working to recruit volunteers and distribute relief items provided by the Icelandic Red Cross from its clothing business.


GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Honoring Our Veterans

Friday, November 11th is Veterans Day. This annual and federal holiday in the United States (Armistice Day or Remembrance Day are celebrated on the same day in other parts of the world) honors those who have served or are serving in the Armed Forces.

An important holiday worldwide, Veterans Day is especially significant throughout the Red Cross because of the organization’s ties, through the Services to Armed Forces (SAF) program, to the United States Military.

- The Red Cross provides pre-deployment briefings on the support systems and resources available to service members and their families while service members are away.

- The Red Cross provides – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – a lifeline between service members and their families by verifying and transmitting emergency messages.

- Additionally, the Red Cross provides military families with access to financial assistance in partnership with military aid organizations as well as referral information and assistance to veterans.

So this Friday, take a few moments to thank those who have bravely and generously served our country through membership in the Armed Forces.

- Post a thank you message on Facebook or tweet a thank you message on Twitter.

- Participate in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program by making a holiday card for a service member, veteran, or military family. (Click here for more information about the Holiday Mail for Heroes program.)

- Donate blood at one of the hundreds of Veterans Day blood drives going on throughout the country. (Click here to find a Veterans Day blood drive in your area.)

- Donate a monetary gift, in honor a service member, veteran, or military family, through the Red Cross Holiday Giving catalog. Even a small amount ($50 = 1 military comfort kit, $20 = 1 military phone card, and $30 = hygiene kids for 3 homeless veterans) can make a tremendous different in the life of an active duty service member or veteran. (Click here to shop the Red Cross Holiday Giving catalog.)

My sincerest thanks to all of our veterans, and happy Veterans Day.

It's That Time Again, Holiday Mail for Heroes!

The American Red Cross and Pitney Bowes Inc. are teaming up to deliver holiday cards to service members, their families and veterans, many of whom will be far from home this holiday season. 

The Holiday Mail for Heroes program provides Americans the opportunity to send holiday greetings to our men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces, our nation’s veterans and their families.  Between October 3 and December 9, the public can send a “touch of home” through holiday cards that contain messages of cheer and appreciation. 

“By taking a few moments to express their gratitude to the men and women who serve our country, Americans can touch the lives of those whose sacrifice may have taken them far from home this holiday season,” said Sherri Brown, senior vice president, Red Cross Services to the Armed Forces.  “The men and women who receive these cards on military installations and in hospitals tell us time and again that they are touched by the warmth and gratitude expressed from people they have never met.”

For the fifth annual program, The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are also encouraging families, schools, youth, civic groups, scouting troops, places of worship, and other groups that are interested in participating in the Holiday Mail for Heroes program to organize and host card-making events.  For a list of tips and ideas, please visit: www.redcross.org/holidaymail

People are invited to send a message of thanks and holiday cheer from now until Friday, December 9 by mailing them to:  

Holiday Mail for Heroes
P.O. Box 5456
Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

Help Honor A Veteran at the Veteran's Stand Down 2011

Millions of American men and women who served in the military have a difficult time re-joining civilian life.

For nearly a decade American service members have been engaged in two brutal wars in the Middle East. Fresno's Vince Garcia served two tours in Iraq with the Marine Corps. "After I got out I kind of missed the whole military aspect of it and not being in the service."

Clifford Collins served in the late 1980's when drugs were taking hold of many young Americans. Years later he and his wife ended up at the Poverlello House. But last year's 'Stand Down' Brought them new resources, a place to live and a new focus on life.

"Furthering my education. Cause I want to go back to school," said Collins. "I want to go to Fresno City and become a substance abuse counselor. That's what I want to do."

Lingering fall out among veterans of all ages led to the so-called 'Stand Down' ... in war it is a rest from battle.

For three days individuals and families will rest, recharge and connect with available community resources at this years 'Stand Down'.

Too often when the military pay check is gone ... They are left without income.

John Schuler said, "They're coming home from Iraq, Afghanistan wherever and they're moving in to mom and dad's garage or sister Mary's couch and their homeless."

Schuler is a Vietnam era vet looking out for the new generation and so is Keith Rudolph.

"I don't know how they do it," said Rudolph. "They go two, three, four tours. Like John says the family is the one who is suffering."

For current era vets like Garcia his support for fellow veterans has become his work in civilian life. "It's a good investment because you're giving back to those who sacrificed so much for the day to day freedom we utilize every single day."

On September 21st ... The annual 3-day 'Stand Down' will happen here. V.F.W post 89-hundred will open to vets of all ages to 'Stand Down' from their burdens.

Donations in this recession have not yet met the costs, but organizers hope the community will help meet the needs of every veteran needing to 'Stand Down'.

Happy Fourth of July From The American Red Cross!

This Fourth of July has a lot in store for us, but along with the picnics, fireworks, and fun, the holiday can also be a time to remember those who serve and protect our country.

We at the American Red Cross offer thanks to those in the military who are serving at home and abroad this Fourth of July, and those who have died or were injured.

Many don't know this, but our commitment to the military is how the American Red Cross received its start. In April 1861, Clara Barton established an agency to obtain and distribute supplies to wounded soldiers. In July 1862, she obtained permission to travel behind the lines, eventually reaching some of the grimmest battlefields of the war and serving during the sieges of Petersburg and Richmond. Barton delivered aid to soldiers of both the North and South. Referred to as the "Angel of the Battlefield," Barton went on to found the American Red Cross, and always placed an emphasis on serving our members of the Armed Forces.

Today, her legacy continues as the American Red Cross provides Services to the Armed Forces. Both active duty and community-based military can count on the Red Cross to provide emergency communications that link them with their families back home, access to financial assistance in partnership with the military aid societies, information and referral and assistance to veterans.  Red Cross personnel form a global network in 700 U.S. chapters, military installations worldwide and in forward deployed locations in Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Become a Service to Armed Forces Volunteer today, and help serve those who have served our country. From all of us at the American Red Cross Central Valley, we wish you and yours a safe and happy Fourth of July!

This Memorial Day, Say Thank You...

This Memorial Day, I hope you’ll join us in honoring and remembering the sacrifices of our men and women in the armed forces.

More than 130 years ago, the first mission of the American Red Cross was to serve military members and their families and it still remains a core part of what we do today – a mission I’m particularly proud of.

Many military members not only sacrifice for us during their careers, but also afterwards. Right now during our Midwest tornado and flood relief operations, military retirees are among the thousands of Red Cross volunteers there, helping restore a sense of normalcy and provide relief and comfort. 

Today our Service to the Armed Forces programs provide valuable support with items like comfort kits for wounded warriors, and our core service of delivering emergency messages to service members far from home – from birth announcements to equally vital news of sickness or death of loved ones.

This Memorial Day, you can help us provide these valuable services – and say thank you to our servicemen and women – by making donation to the American Red Cross:

Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up!

Welcome to the Worldwide Wednesday Wrap-Up (new name, same good stuff), in which we consolidate the International Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

SUDAN: Three years after being abducted by an armed group, a teenage girl returns home with the help of the ICRC.

LIBYA: As fighting continues, the ICRC has stepped up its response - visiting detainees, providing medical supplies for hospitals, and delivering food and water that Libyan Red Crescent Society volunteers help distribute.

Côte d'Ivoire: The ICRC is bringing chemicals needed to treat the water that will be distributed to five million people for the next six months.

NIGERIA: The ICRC and Nigerian Red Cross Society are responding to the urgent needs of thousands of people displaced following post-election violence.

HAITI: Along with mosquito nets and in-person outreach, the Red Cross is using text messaging to fight malaria.

CHERNOBYL: 25 Years after the disaster, the Red Cross' Chernobyl Humanitarian Assistance and Rehabilitation Program still offers health screenings for survivors.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

What In The World, Wednesday!

Welcome to What In The World, Wednesday!  In which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

Côte d'Ivoire: The humanitarian situation in Côte d'Ivoire is worsening as fighting and looting continue. An ICRC-chartered aircraft has landed with nearly 12 tons of supplies to meet the most urgent needs of people affected by the conflict.
LIBYA: As a result of the recent and ongoing fighting in Libya, unexploded munitions pose major risk for civilians. The ICRC is preparing to send staff to provide support for the destruction of such items and to launch a mine risk education campaign.

CHAD: The IFRC and Chadian Red Cross are strengthening programs in areas hit by meningitis, measles and cholera.
Across the Middle East and North Africa: As unrest and violence continue to spread, one of the ICRC's top priorities is to support local health staff in saving lives and ensuring that people in need of emergency medical care – in particular, those wounded in the violence – receive help.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

What In The World, Wednesday!

Welcome to What in the World, Wednesday! In which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

LIBYA: ICRC teams have joined forces with Libyan doctors and nurses in east of country to treat people wounded in the fighting while other members of the global Red Cross/Red Crescent network coordinate to help those displaced by the fighting.
GAMBIA: The ICRC and Gambia Red Cross Society are providing more than 400 Senegalese refugees with three-month food rations, sleeping mats, clothing, soap and hygiene kits.
Côte d'Ivoire: The ICRC and the Red Cross Society of Côte d'Ivoire are distributing medical and other supplies to hundreds of people who have fled fighting.
DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO: Survivors of sexual violence often face further suffering through social exclusion. Using theater, dance and other methods, community members trained to provide psycho-social support by the ICRC encourage relatives and society to accept the survivors.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

What In The World, Wednesday!

Welcome to What In The World Wednesday, in which we consolidate the international Red Cross and Red Crescent news into one list of bite-sized links for you. It's a non-comprehensive sampling of the larger and/or more intriguing aspects of our global work...

MEXICO: The Mexican Red Cross, with ICRC support, opened a new mobile clinicproviding medical care for migrants near the border with the United States.

LIBYA: In response to medical needs, Libyan Red Crescent staff and volunteers have been collecting blood, evacuating the wounded and working in the hospitals. The global Red Cross and Red Crescent network is working together to coordinate humanitarian response to the crisis.

Côte d'Ivoire: A month after inter-community clashes erupted, ICRC and Ivorian Red Cross volunteers are maintaining their assistance - providing emergency supplies, medical aid, and safe drinking water for thousands.

ARMENIA: Last month, theICRC and the Fuller Centre for Housing Armenia launched a joint program in Tavush province aimed at helping improve living conditions for the families of persons who went missing in connection with the Nagorny Karabakh conflict.

NEW ZEALAND: Among many ongoing earthquake relief efforts, sixty Red Cross welfare volunteers are working with the Christchurch City Council, going door to door in teams of two, to check in on affected people in the Eastern suburbs of Christchurch.

GLOSSARY:

ICRC = International Committee of the Red Cross
IFRC = International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

Red Cross Asks People To Join During Red Cross Month.

Organization Helping Those In Need For 130 Years 

March is Red Cross Month, and the American Red Cross is asking people to join them in helping those in need by volunteering their time, making a donation, or taking a class.

“When someone provides a hot meal to a disaster victim, takes a first aid class, or helps someone in the military, they join the Red Cross,” said, Ellen Knapp, Regional CEO of the Central Valley Chapter. “We want to say ‘thank you’ to all who support us. That support enables us to provide help and hope to those who need our assistance.”

For nearly 100 years, U.S. Presidents have called on people to support the American Red Cross and its humanitarian mission. President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first to proclaim March as Red Cross Month in 1943. Since that time, President Obama and every president since have issued proclamations designating March as Red Cross Month.

The Red Cross has been helping people for 130 years, responding to disasters, assisting members of the military, and teaching lifesaving skills.

The Central Valley Chapter responded and provided assistance in 446 local disasters last year. The chapter processed 580 emergency military calls, and trained 35,113 individuals in CPR/AED, first aid, and aquatics safety. The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time and money to do its work.

In the spirit of Red Cross Month, your local Chapter of the American Red Cross has set a goal to train 1,000 individuals in the Central Valley in FREE CPR or Disaster Preparedness. Throughout March, the Red Cross will come to your business/organization and train groups of 10 to 25 in either a non-certificate “Hands Only Citizen’s CPR” course or a Be “Red Cross Ready” disaster preparedness seminar. Courses will last between 30 minutes to an hour and are a perfect lunchtime treat! For more information or to schedule your training today please contact the American Red Cross at (559) 455-1000.

On March 25, the Central Valley Chapter will be holding our ninth annual Real Heroes event in which we celebrate selfless acts of courage and humanitarian service by real people in our community, at the Chandler Airport - Memley Aviation Hangar. This 1940’s themed night will begin at 5:30pm with a silent auction, followed by the presentation of this year’s heroes, dinner, dancing, and live auction. Tickets are $50 per person and are available on our website www.arccentralvalley.org.