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HISTORY OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS |
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History of the American Red Cross Disaster Services Preparedness and Response Armed Forces Emergency Services Military Health & Safety Training (First Aid & CPR) Volunteer Involvement & Development |
How Did it All Begin?The American Red Cross is the largest volunteer organization in America. Since the founding of the Red Cross by Clara Barton in 1881, volunteers have been trained to help families, friends, and neighbors in the event of an emergency. It is committed to making a positive difference by improving the quality of human life, enhancing self-reliance and concern for others, and helping people avoid, prepare for , and cope with emergencies. As a voluntary organization, the American Red Cross depends on the generosity of people for both their time and money to provide disaster relief. The Red Cross is an independent organization, not a government agency. All disaster relief given by the Red Cross is given free of charge as a gift from the American people. Firelands Chapter was formed in 1968 through a merger of three separate chapters. The first to form was the Erie County Chapter in 1916. The Huron Chapter was chartered in 1917and the Willard Chapter was chartered in 1930. Together they form a two county chapter which serves 136,000 people. Firelands Chapter provides the following services: Disaster, Armed Forces Emergency Services, Blood Collection, Health & Safety Classes, Community Services such as Blood Pressure Screenings and First Aid Stations, youth services and volunteer recruitment and development. These services are provided through a budget of about $550,000. About 33% of this budget is provided through five United Way and United Fund units through the two county area. The remainder is raised through fund raising events and through individual donations Firelands Chapter is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Eight paid staff and over 1,000 volunteers carry out the programs. Every year approximately 37,000 units of service are provided with volunteers giving more than 40,000 hours and $400,000 worth of service to our community. For more information about Firelands Chapter Service call (419) 626-1641 or (800) 589-2286. For additional information on the Red Cross, see the following sites: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) International Federation of the Red Cross & Red Crescent Societies New Red Cross Public Service Announcements from the National Headquarters News Other Red Cross & Red Crescent Servers Red Cross Chapter Locator
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