The Red Cross:

Looking Out For Each Other

To the Editor:

America has always been a place where people look out for each other, and I’d like to thank everyone who chose the Red Cross as their way to help out in our community. Take a look at the American Red Cross Mission: to provide relief to victims of disasters and help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. In a sense, this view divides the population into two fluid groups — people who need help — and people who want to help. The Red Cross is privileged to serve as a link between the two.

At the American Red Cross of Western Connecticut we’re celebrating National Volunteer Month. It’s a time to recognize the work of the 1,500 volunteers who have made it possible for the Western Connecticut Chapter to assist the people who need help in the 17 towns we serve. Over the last five years our chapter responded to nearly 240 local disasters including fires and floods. Our Wheels Program, with its 45 volunteer drivers, provided over 4, 600 rides for those needing to get to medical appointments without any other means. More than 8,000 pints of blood were collected in the nearly 200 blood drives conducted by our volunteers in the Danbury and New Milford area. And our Armed Forces Emergency Services continues to provide an avenue of communication for families needing to contact family members in the military. 

The many programs and services your local Red Cross provides for your neighbors are made possible by the dedicated volunteers who are making a difference in our communities. If you want to help, this month is a great time to volunteer. In a recent survey, 97 percent of Red Cross volunteers agreed that the Red Cross is an excellent place to volunteer and that their job gives them a sense of accomplishment; 98 percent said they’d recommend the Red Cross to their friends.

Volunteering is what the Red Cross is all about. For more information about Red Cross services, and volunteer opportunities, contact the American Red Cross of Western Connecticut at 792-8200.               

Drew Morten

Chapter Chairman

American Red Cross of Western Connecticut

2 Terrace Place, Danbury                                               April 21, 2005