…. the more they stay the same.
That’s a spot-on adage when we consider fulfilling our Red Cross mission to alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
For example, one hundred years ago Junior Red Cross volunteers in Duluth made care packages for World War I veterans overseas.
This year our Service to the Armed Forces volunteers will distribute donated socks to veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
There are more examples and yet, whatever the year of the new year, the basics of life remain the same.
People need shelter, food and clothing. People need blood and blood products. People need to reach loved ones during emergencies.
The Red Cross helps meet these and other basic needs within the context of being impartial and neutral, of empowering volunteer service, and keeping an eye on preserving and promoting human dignity in all of our work.
With those thoughts in mind, this year we encourage you to look to the stars while keeping your feet on the ground. Make a regular commitment to:
- supporting people affected by disasters
- providing safe lifesaving blood and blood products
- helping military members of our armed forces and their families
- being trained in life-saving skills for emergency response
- giving resources that help neighbors around the world
This quiz will help you choose which action is best for you.
Story by Lynette Nyman — pictured above last year with women living in Bangladesh in camps for people who have fled violence in Myanmar.
American Red Cross 