|
Military
Assistance
The
holidays are just around the corner, and the American Red
Cross is gearing up with an array of options for Americans
to show their support for U.S. service members and their
families.
In
addition to responding to disasters, overseeing more than
half of the nation’s blood supply and providing first
aid and CPR training, keeping the American people connected
with their loved ones serving in the U.S. military is a
fundamental mission of the American Red Cross through its
Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES). This season the
Stanly County Chapter joins nearly 1,000 American Red Cross
field units around the world in helping the public bring
holiday cheer to U.S. service members and their families.
The American Red Cross supports members
of the U.S. military and their families by: (1) facilitating
emergency communication; (2) mobilizing and deploying Red
Cross workers to live and work alongside troops; (3) reaching
out to the “changing face” of the military,
including members of the National Guard/Reserves and their
families; and (4) other social services through a worldwide
communication network that includes workers who live and
work alongside troops. Urgent news of death, serious illness
or birth are delivered wherever troops are—to the
frontlines or on the home front. Since January 2003, demand
for American Red Cross services has increased significantly
and remains at record levels.
“The American Red Cross is dedicated
to bringing a touch of home to the frontlines,” said
Larry Hyde, chairman of the Stanly County Chapter. “From
as far away as Tikrit, Iraq to right here in Stanly County,
we work around the clock and all year long to keep the U.S.
military connected to home. The Stanly County Chapter wants
Stanly County residents to know they can turn to their American
Red Cross to show support or send well wishes to neighbors,
family and friends deployed this holiday season.”
Here are some ways Stanly County residents
can help:
- Bestow
treasures. Treasures for the Troops can offer
some fun and relaxation for down time on the frontlines.
The durable, lightweight, compact and reusable shaving/make-up
bag contains “treasures” like a deck of cards,
book of crossword puzzles, snacks and candy, an electronic
pocket game, batteries and a multi-tool. $20.00 includes
shipping and handling. “An overwhelming generosity
coupled with security concerns dictated that we offer
this alternative to our past practice of collecting in-kind
items from community members,” said Larry Hyde,
chairman of the Stanly County Red Cross. “We’re
very excited about Treasures for the Troops because we
continue to be a resource for those who want to show support
for service members in general, but the human and financial
resources of the chapter are not strained. And even better,
like the Quality of Life Items program this is not just
a holiday thing. The public can show support anytime of
the year!”
- Support
keeping families connected. Make a financial
donation to the Stanly County Chapter so that it can continue
emergency communications, deploying workers, outreach
and financial support efforts of the family members of
career and reservists.
- Donate
a Phone®. An estimated 30 million old wireless
phones lay idle in American homes and businesses according
to the CTIA Wireless Foundation. Through the end of the
year Nextel Communications will donate an average of $1.50
per old wireless phones (regardless of manufacturer, make
or model) brought into any of its 400 plus retail stores
nationwide www.nextel.com. Donations benefit American
Red Cross services for U.S. military members and their
families.
- Don’t
forget those here at home. A great way to take
care of a service member is to help take care of his or
her loved ones back home. Offers to baby-sit, pick up
groceries, do laundry or mow the lawn may be especially
appreciated.
- Save
up to three lives in about an hour. The simple
act of giving blood can touch up to three lives in the
time it takes to run an errand. Every two seconds a person
in the United States needs a blood transfusion, yet only
five percent of the eligible U.S. population donates.
And because blood is perishable, the supply needs to be
replenished constantly. Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE (1-800-448-3543)
or visit www.givelife.org to schedule an appointment today.
- Volunteer.
Reach out to Veterans Administration hospitals and nursing
homes, coach children’s sports teams, provide meals
for the homeless or volunteer for other organizations,
including the American Red Cross. “We know that
many service members who normally do this volunteer work
are now deployed.”
In times
of both celebration and loss, Red Cross workers speed messages
across thousands of miles to US service members separated
from loved ones. Through Red Cross emergency communications,
these messages are received and delivered 24 hours a day
to locations around the globe, including ships at sea, remote
locations, and U. S. Embassies.
The
American Red Cross was there for more than a half-million
service personnel last year, relaying more than 4,000 messages
each day. We also provided access to financial assistance
for military families in crisis, as well as a confidential
environment in which service men and women can receive counseling,
referrals, and other social services. |
|
