As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, I invite you to 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.
Dear Editor:
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, I invite you to 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. This divides the population into two ever-changing 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 San Benito County Chapter, we will continue to acknowledge our volunteers until May 21, 2004, when the celebration will culminate with a luncheon honoring our blood drive volunteers and the Cattlewomen’s Association, who have helped canteen at the blood drives for many decades. Some of our volunteers have served for over 60 years.
It’s a time to recognize the work of the 100 plus volunteers who have made it possible for the Red Cross to assist the people who need help in San Benito County. Red Cross is always there, helping victims of local fires, training local residents in First Aid, CPR and baby sitting, organizing blood drives, and being a liaison to our military personnel through the Armed Forces Emergency Services.
If you want to help, this is a great time to volunteer. The San Benito County Chapter is currently recruiting for disaster service volunteers (locally and nationally), training instructors and office assistants. I think you’ll find volunteering for the Red Cross a rewarding experience. 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.
For more information about Red Cross services, and volunteer opportunities, contact Kathryn Engelhard at 636-2100. Thank you, and remember – together we can save a life!
Kathleen S. Wright,
Gift Planning Officer,
Hollister
