Each year, paid and volunteer members of The American Red Cross render an invaluable service to the members of our armed forces and their families. Some ways in which they do this include:
· Maintaining an around the clock, around the world emergency communication network, ensuring that family members can get in contact with each other during times of personal emergency. This service transmits and receives more than 1000 messages a year – at no cost to the service personnel or their families.
· Providing military personnel and their families access to interest-free grants and loans when urgent crises occur.
· Aiding veterans by providing access to financial assistance from either military or civilian sources.
· Offering counselling to service personnel, or their families.
Without the support of members of the public, these important services would not be possible . If you would like to find out more, or become a volunteer yourself, get in touch with your local American Red Cross Chapter. There are Chapters all over the country and chances are that there is one very close to you. It goes without saying that any help is greatly appreciated so why not get involved today.
Donations also ensure that services such as the one detailed above can continue right throughout the year . For most people donations mean money but money isn’t the only way to make a donation or an impact often times household items, clothes and car donations make the greatest impact . All Chapters of The American Red Cross hold fundraising events throughout the year, such as the Twin Cities Heroes Breakfast mentioned in a previous news article. Another less well-known way of making a donation to The American Red Cross is by donating a used car or other vehicle. There is a tax deduction for all vehicles that are valued at over $500 . Every dollar makes a difference.