 "Please remember those who help here in the Springfield area by
giving their time to help their neighbor," said Colleen Stone, chief
executive officer of the Illinois Capital Area Chapter. "We want to
thank all those who give so much in our community during Red Cross
Month -- our volunteers, class participants and financial supporters
who help us assist those in need."March was first proclaimed as
Red Cross Month 70 years ago by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Since 1943, every president, including President Obama, has
designated March as Red Cross Month.
The American Red Cross is synonymous with helping people and has
been doing so for more than 130 years.
The Red Cross responds to nearly 70,000 disasters a year in this
country, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other
necessities to those affected. The Red Cross provides 24-hour
support to members of the military, veterans and their families,
giving help in war zones, military hospitals and on military
installations around the world. The Red Cross also trains more than
7 million people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving
skills every year.
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Here in the Springfield area, the Red Cross responded to 123
local disasters, assisted 390 military families in a crisis and
trained 3,327 people in lifesaving skills.
"The local Red Cross serves the community through the generosity
of donors and the power of volunteers," Stone said. "We invite you
to help our community by becoming a Red Cross volunteer, taking a
lifesaving class or becoming a financial partner. We appreciate all
those that already help. Join us!"
The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations
of time and money to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every
dollar given to the Red Cross is invested in helping people in need.
[Text from file received from the
American Red Cross,
Illinois Capital Area Chapter]
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