What do you call a full-time volunteer? Tom

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor

Tom Elliot poses with his Bravo Zulu coin.

Tom Elliot is the kind of volunteer that he says “you kind of call full-time.”

After retiring from a career as a top cop, Tom played golf and went fishing. 

“I figured out I couldn’t do that every day,” he said. “I got bored.” 

He heard a Red Cross call for help on the radio after Hurricane Gustav hit and volunteers were needed. 

“I said I can do that,” Tom said.

They put him to work in the warehouse; soon he was delivering supplies to shelters.

And he has not stopped working, more specifically volunteering, since. 

“They told me if you really want to learn, pack your bags,” he said, before packing his bags and heading out to Galveston to help with Hurricane Ike relief for two weeks. 

He now is the logistics guy. He handles safety, asset protection and safety inspections, among many other duties. He is also in charge of all the Red Cross fleet, managing the 138 vehicles in the region. 

“He offers sound, practical advice, and I have come to rely on his wisdom in all areas of fleet management,” said Stacey Wood, American Red Cross Director of Business Operations. “The Red Cross is truly blessed to have such a dedicated volunteer.”

Tom continues to go out on one big disaster relief trip each year: Tennessee in 2010 for flooding, Mississippi in 2011 following tornadoes; New York following Sandy last year, and Colorado this year following the flooding. 

This all translates to about a 5 to 7-hour work day during the week, plus all the 12-hour days when working a disaster. 

“He never says no to anyone with a need,” said Barb Stevens, Disaster Workforce Engagement Manager, American Red Cross. “We just wouldn't make it without him.” 

Last month, Tom was honored for his work with a Bravo Zulu coin, presented to Red Crossers for exemplary service. It was a creation of North Texas Regional CEO, and retired Navy vet, T.D. Smyers.

When thanked for his work, volunteering and more, Tom says, “I’m not here for the thanks. I know that what I’m doing takes care of the people who need our help.” 

Which is what makes him exemplary.

Start your Red Cross story the way Tom did at RedCross.org/DFW.

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Being Thankful for Red Cross Friendships on Friendship Day

by Tonya Solis-Mosby, volunteer contributor

VFF (Volunteer Friends Forever)

We are a teacher, public relations people, photographers, a radio legend, and more.  Thanks to a common interest in volunteering with the American Red Cross, we are now friends!

Travel if you will with me down the Red Brick Road (Dorothy’s road was yellow, but not mine) as I introduce you to another reason I love volunteering for the American Red Cross. As I began my volunteer journey, I was sent on my first assignment with Dan Halyburton.  Just as Dorothy’s scarecrow was a little unsteady, Dan and I were a little uneasy when we first arrived on the disaster scene.  It was an apartment building in Corsicana that had been damaged by straight-line winds leaving several people homeless.  We were with our fearless leader, Anita Foster, and with her, we were representatives of the Public Affairs team. Excited? Yes we were! Were we uneasy about the uncertainty of our duties? Yes, we were.  But by the end of the day, we had learned some of our duties and had truly become friends in volunteerism! 

My volunteer friend journey didn’t stop there.

Next, as I followed the Red Brick path of volunteerism, I came to meet who would soon be my next volunteer friend. We weren’t learning the ropes together as Dan and I had, but when I met Kristina Brevard, I could tell she was one I could look to for answers. She was not seeking a heart as was Dorothy’s Tin Man, Kristina was all heart for those she encountered through volunteering no matter if they were client or fellow volunteer. We became fast friends.

And the story didn’t stop there.

As I continued, my Red Brick volunteer path led me to more volunteer friends.  No not, the cowardly lion because none of the Red Cross volunteers appear to be cowardly.  But just as Glinda was good, nice and friendly, Michelle Tanner, Allison Slomovitz and Kim Purintun, and of course, Anita Foster, certainly fit Glinda’s description and have become my friends in volunteerism, as well. This list doesn’t stop there, and I expect it will continue to grow.
I thought volunteering was going to be personally rewarding because I might have the opportunity to help someone else.  But the reality is that volunteering with the American Red Cross has helped me, too! I have learned through my new relationships that there is so much more to gain as a Red Cross volunteer.

On this Friendship Day, I say thank you to the American Red Cross for helping those in need in times of trouble.  I also say thank you Red Cross for helping me to find the friends I might not have otherwise found – my friends in volunteerism!  We are not just a group of volunteers; we are a group of friends!

You too can find your friends in volunteerism by signing up today to become a Red Cross Volunteer. Download the new ARC Volunteer App – Team Red Cross – from the iTunes store or the Google Play store. You can also go to www.redcross.org to join the team!

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We Salute Suzette: Red Cross Volunteer and Salute to Senior Service Contestant

by Catherine Carlton, volunteer contributor 

Volunteer Suzette Alexander

With our ongoing disaster relief efforts in West, Boston and the Midwest, it's clearer than ever how important our volunteers are to our work. In fact, volunteers represent more than 90 percent of our work force. We close out National Volunteer Week by profiling one of our terrific East Texas volunteers, Suzette Alexander, of Longview.

Suzette joined the Red Cross volunteer brigade like many others following Hurricane Katrina. She started with the midnight to 7:00 a.m. shift. She's been working in shelters during hurricanes since then. 

"While there I saw the need for volunteers trained for sheltering and started taking courses for sheltering, Mass Care Feeding and Emergency Response Vehicle (ERV) driving," she said. "I really enjoy helping at the scene and working with others." 

Her desire to help others continued when she was introduced to Meals on Wheels and their need for volunteer drivers, too. 

"At first I had only about 15 (meal deliveries) each day but I enjoyed it so much they gave me more -- like 50 a day now," Suzette said, noting after her deliveries she goes to the Red Cross to see what help she can do there. "My day is not complete without seeing my ‘customers’ at Meals on Wheels and Red Cross." 

Her friend Laura Hann nominated her in the Salute to Senior Service Contest, from Home Instead Senior Care.

You can vote daily for Suzette today through April 30. She is in the running for as much as $5,000 for the charity of her choice, which is the Red Cross. 

"I just wish I had more hours in a day to do more!" she said when asked why someone should vote for her. "I am so thankful every day that I can go and give what I can and share with others! That's all I know to say and if others would like to vote for this ole girl then I can help even more." 

To join Suzette & begin your volunteer story with the Red Cross, visit us at RedCross.org.

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National Volunteer Week: Q&A with Director of Volunteer Services Susie Spartano

by Kristen Kerr, volunteer contributor

As the American Red Cross continues to respond to the tragedies in West, Texas and Boston, along with flooding in the Midwest, we wanted to take some time to recognize the hundreds of volunteers deployed to each of those disasters, as well as the thousands more who make it possible for us to respond to nearly 70,000 disasters every year. From tornadoes and hurricanes to single-family apartment fires, Red Cross volunteers are ready to respond 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

American Red Cross Director
of Volunteer Services,
North Texas Region
Susie Spartano

Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down and talking to the Director of Volunteer Services in the North Texas Region, Susie Spartano, to learn more about what she does at the Red Cross and what makes a great Red Cross volunteer.

Q: Tell me a little bit about yourself and what it is that made you want to come to the Red Cross?

A: I always worked for for-profit so coming into a non-profit and reading the mission statement and absorbing the fact that the whole organization is here for the benefit of taking care of people was something that was foreign to me. I remember reading the mission statement and thinking ‘wow, this is so cool.’ 

Q: How long have you been with the Red Cross?

A: 13 years

Q: How has the job changed since you first started?

A: Actually having technology in regards to managing the volunteer services workforce is the biggest change. Everything used to be paper; manuals, Excel spreadsheets, training materials, etc. so trying to track and support a volunteer workforce of 6,000+ people and do it via Excel was difficult. Technology does allow us to respond in a way that people expect; we are better able, I think, to match the needs of the public, especially in a large metropolitan area. For example, we recently launched our new online volunteer system, Volunteer Connection.  

Q: What is it about the work that you do that has inspired you to stay?

A: As a human resource professional, I look into how to build an organization that supports the business, but also supports the individual. I feel strongly that a happy worker is one that is going to provide the organization with value, so being able to take that concept and apply it to a volunteer organization is really challenging and interesting. I just love being here and managing volunteers.

Q: What are some obstacles that you have faced while on the job?

A: The biggest one that sticks out is the re-organization of the Red Cross. It changed the way we work and the way that we look at our organization and we are still basically in the middle of that. Another big one that I want to give credit to is Hurricane Katrina. When Katrina hit, the Dallas Area Chapter had me and one other person working in the volunteer services area, and we were so overwhelmed. We were used to getting 25 paper applications per month, and we got about 800 in three weeks after Katrina. However, in a situation like that there is no place else you want to be because you can be a part of the solution. 

Q: What are some of your favorite moments with the Red Cross?

A: Realizing after Katrina that we served more than 24,000 people in a month and being a part of that team was life changing. I remember being in the shelter and it was an amazing experience because of course the shelter was like a small city; thousands of people were living there. I’ll never forget this one little girl who needed to go the bathroom so I took her and her little brother. As we’re walking to the restroom, I look down at her and I say “Okay angel, come on this way” and she goes (with a sassy attitude), “My names not angel!” She was so cute! Having the experience of Katrina in my life and being able to apply that so we do it better next time has been gratifying. 

Q: What does your day-to-day job entail?

A: A lot of oversight and building for the future. My main concern everyday is how we are serving our potential volunteers, that is our potential workforce as well as the department we serve. How are we responding to both of their needs, and then always looking at ways in how can we do things better; we can always take it to the next level.  

Q: What kind of challenges do you run into during your day-to-day?

A: Trying to address the cultural differences of our large geographic area is something we do quite a bit. You realize that every single community we serve is different; another big thing is how we make our workforce diverse.  

Q: Lastly, in your opinion what attributes do you think it takes to be a good volunteer?

A: To be a Red Cross volunteer, you have to be dedicated to serving the Red Cross clients and you have to have passion for taking care of people in need that have been affected by disaster or emergency. You have to want to help others because we ask a lot of our volunteers. They do everything across the organization. You have to be willing to go in and do what ever it takes. You should also be vocal because we become better when we all come together collectively. 

Volunteers work seven days a week, 365 days a year. If its 3 a.m. and there’s a flood or house fire, you can bet that our volunteers have received a phone call and are on their way. Therefore, next time you see someone in a Red Cross vest helping out their fellow man, just remember that they are more than likely a volunteer and are helping completely free of charge. 

If you are interested in being a part of the Red Cross volunteer force, please visit RedCross.org/DFW for additional information. Volunteer opportunities range anywhere from disaster preparedness to public affairs to mental health counseling. There is never a better time than now to help those in need. 

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Red Cross CEO Updates DFW on Plans for Isaac

Written by Kyla Campbell, staff contributor

Planning for Isaac's landfall and the potential fallout from the rain and wind remains top priority for North Texas volunteers and staff. From shelter planning to flood preparations, crews across DFW and East Texas aim to care for those who soon will become victims of Hurricane Isaac. Our CEO, T.D. Smyers, talks about what Isaac means to DFW area and how you can help!

Responding to hurricanes takes the strength of an organization like the American Red Cross and the support from donors in order to mobilize resources like we have over the last several days. Below highlights exactly how you help when you support the Red Cross with a financial gift.  

*As of Monday, August 27, the Red Cross:

• Deployed more than 1,500 disaster workers across the Gulf Coast to help with Red Cross efforts.
• Sheltered hundreds of people Sunday night in Florida. More than 560 people spent Sunday night in Red Cross and community shelters after Isaac brought heavy rain, power outages and flooding. Overall, the Red Cross opened 22 shelters and supported 20 community shelters overnight.
• Put dozens of shelters on stand-by along the Gulf, where evacuations have already been ordered in some area. Shelters are likely to open in the area throughout the day.
• Sent mobile kitchens and truckloads of relief supplies to Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. More than 50 pre-positioned support trailers are ready with supplies.
• Activated more than 150 emergency response vehicles (ERVs) in those states and from around the country to help.
• Continued to help in Florida where flooding continues. Red Cross disaster workers will continue to help those affected by opening shelters, providing meals and distributing relief supplies like personal hygiene and clean-up items.

And this is all in addition to all the preparations going on here in DFW!

HOW YOU CAN HELP 
Tropical Storm Isaac is predicted to trigger a large and prolonged disaster response with major flooding across several states. People can call, click or text to donate by visiting www.redcross.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or texting REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

*Original source: redcross.org

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Veterans History Project: Recording America's Past

Written by Haben Twelede, intern staff contributor 

We are happy to announce the successful completion of its first official Veteran History Project interview. 

June 9th was an exciting day for the Veterans History Project volunteers, particularly for those who were glad and eager to kick off this remarkable opportunity for the North Texas Region. 

Judging from the eventful WWII stories told by our first veteran interviewee, John Skinner, those involved in this project are in for an incredibly interesting experience. 

I, for one, feel honored and privileged to partake in the collection and preservation of these firsthand accounts before they are lost forever. 

If you haven’t already heard of it, the Veterans History Project is a great way for volunteers to give back to their community and to the veterans who were willing to give up so much for the safety and security of our nation. 

In October 2000, the United States Congress voted unanimously for legislation to create the Veterans History Project via the Library of Congress. Since then, the American Red Cross’ Service to the Armed Forces has joined the Library of Congress’ efforts to endorse the Veterans History Project. 

The Veterans History Project honors American war veterans by recording their stories of service to our country. It collects, preserves and makes readily available the first person accounts of America’s veterans. The Red Cross aids Congress in their efforts with the anticipation that America’s future generations will access these interviews for numerous reasons. Families of the veterans and scholarly researchers will be able to access these interviews and learn more about these individuals and the military conflicts in which they were involved.

Mr. Skinner, a calm and proper 89-year-young WWII veteran, had some fascinating and personalized stories he shared with us. Mr. Skinner joined the Air Force, or Air Corp as it was called at the time, closer to the end of WWII as a pilot of the legendary B-17 bomber. Stationed in a small city outside of Rome, Italy, he claimed to have flown on dozens of raiding missions across the Alps. 

“The Germans sat at the top of the mountains and shot at us as we flew across the Alps into Germany, and they shot at us as we came back; it was fascinating… You’d see puffs of smokes on the tops of the mountains… But if you’d see the smoke you’d know it (the enemy’s artillery fire) was too late because the shell must have passed by your plane… There’s no telling how many shells they shot at us,” Mr. Skinner explained during the earlier part of his interview.

You can hear more of Mr. Skinner’s interview, as well as many other documented interviews, at the VHP’s official website, http://www.loc.gov/vets/. 

One factor that makes this project so fascinating is the fact that you’ll never know what you’re going to hear.

All American war veterans and people who have an interest in oral history are invited and encouraged to participate. The Veterans History Project allows its volunteers and participants to, in a way, relive the stories of incredible acts of valor made by the men and women who were called to protect our freedom and rights by insuring our security. 

For anyone interested in participating in this historical project, there are a number of volunteer job vacancies that the chapter will need to fill soon. 

Volunteer Positions Include: 

• Project Coordinator
• Interview Preparation Volunteer
• Project Outreach Volunteer, Project Volunteer Interviewer
• Project Interview Coordinator

To learn more about how you can become a part of the Veterans History Project and what these job vacancies entail, contact Lilly Watson at Lilly.Watson@redcross.org.

The VHP is a great opportunity for volunteers to give to their communities, future generations and the nation’s veterans. It also provides a chance to experience history in a direct, timeless and priceless manner. The Red Cross is committed to assisting the Library of Congress in the safeguarding of these national treasures. 

We hope after continual planning and preparation we’ll be able to use our acquired insight to help spread the message and cause of this project to other chapters across the country. 

The names of the interviewees and interviewers will be stored and made searchable within the archives of the Library of Congress. 

If you or any veteran friend or family member is interested in participating, please  email us, call us at (214) 678-4800 or visit us at the American Red Cross Dallas Chapter with any questions or concerns.

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One Week Later: A Message of Gratitude

Written by Kyla Campbell

The American Red Cross stands shoulder to shoulder with victims after disaster, whether it's down the street, around the country or across the world.

And this last week, disaster has been down Forney's streets, down Arlington's streets and down Lancaster's streets leaving multiple city's to recover, multiple neighborhoods stunned and one Red Cross to respond.

Listen to our CEO, T.D. Smyers, as he expresses his gratitude for service to everyone who has helped spread our message, volunteer, and give selflessly of time and resources over the last 7 days.

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Piper the Puppy Comforts Kids

Are you still looking for a way to help your neighbors after last week's tornadoes?

Get to know our Piper the Puppy program and for a $100 donation to disaster relief, you can put Piper in the hands of a child after disaster. Visit Redcrossdallas.org for more information on Piper the Puppy.

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Lancaster Victims Celebrate Easter with Hope

Written by Tonya Solis-Mosby

People who lost their homes this week from a tornado that ripped through a section of a Lancaster, Texas neighborhood were thrust in the arms of destruction and devastation. Many sought shelter with the American Red Cross, while others sought refuge with family or friends.

But as the week turned into the weekend, thoughts of today being a holiday came to the forefront of the victims' minds.

“We have too much to be thankful for,” said Clyde Lee, who lived in the Portofino Apartments before the storm. “We are going to church. We wouldn’t miss it.”

Mr. Lee and his wife, Betty, made a second visit to the Lancaster HS Field House, currently serving as the Recovery Center, on Saturday to take part in the services offered by the Red Cross and other non-profit organizations who have partnered to bring relief services under one roof for those in need.  The Lees first visit on Friday, the first day of the Recovery Center, was for necessities such as food and clothing. Their return visit was to seek assistance with insulin for Mr. Lee to replace that which was left in their apartment.

“It’s going to be much like we usually do,” he said with Mrs. Lee smiling and nodding in agreement. “We are thankful that we are OK and that we had a place to go. So, today, we are going to church.”

The sentiment of showing thanks by going to church was echoed by Tiesha Wiley, who also visited the assistance center Saturday.

“It’s going to be life as normal,” Ms. Wiley said adding that she also lives at Portofino Apartments. She said she had visited her apartment only hours before coming to the assistance center. Damage to her apartment was limited to a leaking ceiling and some water damage.

“I have three young children,” she said while receiving donated Easter baskets, one of which was handed to Ms. Wiley’s 6-year-old daughter who scooped it up with excitement. “We are thankful for everything. So, we are going to church.”

Easter baskets are gathered as workers in the background prepare to meet residents.

Ms. Wiley said among the things for which she is thankful is the American Red Cross. 

“The response was urgent,” she said. “They were immediately here and they’ve been here the whole time. They opened the shelter quickly and it was very convenient.”

“Yes, we have a lot to be thankful for,” Ms. Wiley’s neighbor Toya Jeffery added. “I’m going to church, too. It’s Easter.”

Lancaster residents and the residents in the other North Texas cities affected by the multiple tornadoes that swept through the area are receiving help now, and they will continue to need help for community partners. The American Red Cross stands beside partner organizations during disaster all across the country to provide for the immediate needs after disasters. 

If you wish to help during a disaster you can help by making a financial donation to the American Red Cross. There are several ways to do it. Among them, you can call 1-800-REDCROSS, visit redcross.org or you can text “REDCROSS” to 90999. The text donation of $10 will be automatically applied to your phone bill.

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Partnerships Run Deep in Texas

Written by Rusty Surrette

Southwest Airlines donated thousands of snacks today that were immediately loaded on trucks to be handed out at shelters and in communities impacted by the tornadoes in Texas.

"We're a proud supporter of the Red Cross and the work that they do, and we're happy to help out," said Southwest Airlines spokeswoman Marylee McInnis. "We think that this is very important that we give back to our community."

Following a disaster, Red Cross volunteers work around the clock to open shelters and provide food to affected families. In the middle of chaos and disaster, something as simple as a cup of coffee or a bag of pretzels can provide a sense of comfort and normalcy to those who have lost everything. 


We work with our partners and supporters - before, during and after a disaster - to keep snacks, beverages, blankets, cleaning supplies, tarps and other essential items stocked, positioned in warehouses around the nation, ready to go at a moments notice.

When you make a donation to the Red Cross, you're not only supporting our mission of helping families, but you're also giving us the opportunity to prepare for the next tornado, fire or flood.

If you would like to become a supporter of the Red Cross, please call 1-800-REDCROSS or visit www.redcrossdallas.org today.

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Neighbors Helping Neighbors

Written by Rusty Surette

The American Red Cross is working around the clock to bring relief, support and comfort to those affected by the tornado outbreak in North Texas this week. 

Not only are volunteers meeting with families who have lost their homes, but they are also taking care of first responders and other organizations and groups helping out.

One of those groups is Home Depot. On Wednesday, an estimated 180 store employees descended into communities impacted by the tornadoes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“It’s important for us to be in communities when times are good. It’s also important for us to be in communities when times are bad,” said Home Depot Store Manager Trina Booker.

The employees will be boarding up broken windows, replacing smashed fences and clearing tree limbs and other debris from yards over the next several days. As the crew worked non-stop under the warm Wednesday sun, the American Red Cross was there in Arlington to hand out bottles of water, snacks and lunches to exhausted employees.

“It was really needed and we were thrilled to see the Red Cross trucks coming around the corner,” said Booker. “It’s just great to know your Red Cross volunteers are here to help us as we are helping others.”

The Home Depot teams will be in affected neighborhoods for the rest of the week providing immediate clean-up assistance.  Next to them will be Red Cross workers offering hot meals, beverages, comfort kits and cleaning supplies.

When disaster strikes, no one agency can do it alone. That’s why we rely on our corporate citizens like Home Depot to step up, pitch it and make a difference for those who need help the most.

If you would like to help, please go online to www.redcrossdallas.org to give your time as a volunteer, your blood as a donor or your money as a financial gift to help continue our mission.

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Annual Volunteer Appreciation Family

Blog post by Elizabeth Murphy, Volunteer Retention Specialist for the American Red Cross

On Saturday, October 15, 2011, Mother Nature couldn’t have given us a better day to have the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Family Day. Nearly 100 members from our local American Red Cross family came out to the Dallas Office to bounce around in the tropical bouncy house, play carnival games, eat mega-yummy food from Jacks ChowHound and rock out to Hackberry Road.

With Halloween right around the corner, everyone took a turn dressing up in our vintage Red Cross uniforms to have their photo snapped.

Jacks Chow Hound, a Dallas area food truck, supplied the fare and on the menu was their trademark pulled pork grilled cheese which is A-Mazing! They’re always on the road and I found them on Twitter @JacksChowHound.

The guys in the Hackberry Road band were a lot of fun and played everything from Dave Mathews Band to Stevie Ray Vaughn. To top it off, they’re great guys.

The little ones had fun bouncing around which I think was fueled by all the deserts that volunteers brought to share.

At the event, we recognized our Volunteer of the Quarter. The award for this quarter went to super-woman Beth Bormann, the Mass Care Volunteer Partner, for her work putting together the Shelter Operations course materials, training her regional teammates and generally being the dedicated and inspirational volunteer that she is. Congrats to Beth!

All-in-all it was an amazing day to celebrate our volunteers, the whole reason we at the American Red Cross can do what we do every day.

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Thank You for Being a Friend

Yesterday was the 76th anniversary of National Friendship Day! This special day was established by the United States Congress in 1935 as a day to honor friends and friendships. At the American Red Cross, we could not operate without the support and generosity of our many friends.



Donors. Your humanitarian spirit counteracts the force of disasters that tear through communities across America. You are a true friend and partner of the American Red Cross and we thank you for your generosity.



Partners. How do we prepare for the unthinkable? How do we put people where they need to be so they can do the most good? How do we work within a humanitarian network that touches lives in every part of the world? You are the answer to these questions.



Volunteers. You are the American Red Cross. As a volunteer, you display the selflessness and dedication to humanity that enable us to continue the timeless commitment of this organization. We value your work and it is with deep appreciation that we say thank you for being a friend.



Blood Donors. Every two seconds someone in America needs blood. By supporting the American Red Cross Biomedical Services, you help to ensure that the nation’s blood supply is safe and available to help every individual in need of it. When you help the American Red Cross, you help your family, your community and our country. Thank you for your generosity and friendship.



Compassion for others, thoughtfulness in deed and generosity during times of need are the very essence of what makes the world a better place. Thank you to our many friends for rising to the occasion. You have enabled the American Red Cross to help an individual, a family, a community realize that there is hope.



In honor of National Friendship Day, we salute each of you!



Thank You for Being a Friend

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Volunteers remain strong as assignments are extended along the Mississippi River

American Red Cross disaster volunteers have had a long few weeks. It’s rare that so many bad things happen in so many areas in such a short amount of time. A true reminder that anything can happen anywhere, anytime.

Here at the Dallas Area Chapter, 27 volunteers who are nationally trained experts were deployed to areas in Alabama and Mississippi to respond to the deadly tornado outbreaks. Many of those that went were still washing the smoke smell out of their disaster vests from the massive wildfires that destroyed over two million acres right here in their backyard. Now, many of them are shifting gears from tornado to flood with extended assignments; and all eyes on the Mississippi River.

As they reflect on what they have seen so far, the heartbreak for those affected and the desire to stay and help comes through in even the simplest message. Tom Elliot is one of those volunteers. His brief message says it all:

“Mississippi had spotty tornado damage overall, but the small town of Smithville, population 800, was nearly wiped off the face of the map. 18 people died. They have US flags in front of the rubble of each house where someone died. We are now preparing for the floods. Vicksburg, Mississippi is due to crest on May 21st. We’re planning to open four mega shelters along the western side of the state and two mega kitchens. Mississippi wraps up one disaster and now has to face a second. Hardly seems fair.”

With record flooding following record tornadoes following record wildfires, no doubt it is taking a toll on everyone from emergency worker, to resident, to even the observers far from these areas. Our volunteers are tired. But they are even more resilient because the people being impacted by these terrible disasters need them to be.

On behalf of all of us keeping the home fires burning, we salute every one of you out in the field helping and we really hope to see you home soon.

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DATs Alright With Me

Pardon the poor play on words - but as we have learned, it is better to be prepared for a disaster before it happens. The weather has been beautiful outside. The kids are back in school. The American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter responds to an average of three disasters each day.

What a better time to join the Disaster Action Team (DAT) for the American Red Cross - Dallas Area Chapter!

Red Cross disaster volunteers receive specialized Red Cross training to prepare them to execute vital tasks in field operations, disaster assessment, mass care, sheltering and psychological first aid.

So do it now - while the weather is nice - and make a difference by saving a life.

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CBS11 to Profile Red Cross Volunteers Tonight!

Tonight at 5pm and 6pm, people we helped after Hurricane Katrina will be profiled on CBS11. Tune in to see Delores James who went from evacuee to FWISD school teacher and two of our favorite volunteers, Angie and Nelson Lanehart. Nelson was an evacuee who sheltered in McKinney. Angie was the shelter manager. Love bloomed and now they're married. Good stories!

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