Vital work of Red Cross starts with you

To the editor:
    It is a sobering fact, but disaster strikes every day in the United States. As the nation’s largest, independent, nonprofit humanitarian organization, the American Red Cross stands ready twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. No other entity provides our depth of services to communities in the United States and around the world. This vital work starts right here in Aroostook County. It starts with the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross. It starts with you.
    In the coming year, as many as 200 local community residents (or even more depending upon natural disasters and weather) will turn to the Red Cross for help after a disaster. No matter the time of day or night, our experienced and trained volunteers will be there to offer relief and to help people plan their recovery.
    From a swimming lesson that prevents a drowning to a CPR class that helps save a co-worker’s life, our chapter is part of the nationwide effort to provide more than 10 million people with training in lifesaving skills annually.
    For members of our community who are serving bravely in the United States Armed Forces, the Red Cross helps them overcome physical challenges due to injuries, facilitates emergency messages between loved ones or offers specialized emotional support. The Red Cross will translate your generosity into the help asked for.
    The Red Cross can also channel your support to those who are injured or who live with cancer, blood disorders, sickle cell anemia and other diseases. At least 21,000 times a day someone receives blood from Red Cross donors. The Red Cross recruits, collects, processes, tests, and distributes lifesaving blood and blood products. We are a leader in scientific research, transfusion medicine and testing. Such groundbreaking work is only possible because of generous blood donors.
    In these same ways, 650 Red Cross chapters across the country are serving the needs of their local communities. When one of our chapters faces a situation they cannot handle alone – such as a massive hurricane, wildfire, tornado, flood or winter ice storm our trained, certified disaster volunteers are there locally, regionally and nationally to open shelters, serve hot meals and provide disaster relief supplies at a moment’s notice.
    The range of services provided by the Red Cross ensures that no one is alone during their time of need. The work of the Red Cross is because of our local community’s support. Together we can build a stronger, more vibrant and sustainable American Red Cross. Even in this tough economy, no gift is too small. Your generous financial support is needed more than ever to help continue providing disaster services in Aroostook County. It is very much appreciated by those who encounter hard times after a fire or other disaster. When heartbreak turns to hope, when every moment matters and a hand reaches out – you are there through your support.
    For more information about how you can become part of this great humanitarian organization or to make a gift to help others in their time of need, please contact the Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross at 7 Hatch Drive, Suite 250, Caribou, ME 04736 or by calling 207-493-4620, ext. 108 or you can e-mail knorrj@maineredcross.org. You can also learn more about the American Red Cross, its history and its services by visiting www.redcross.org.
Joyce Knorr
Aroostook County Branch Manager
American Red Cross – Pine Tree Chapter