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The days are getting longer, it is getting warmer and things are beginning to grow
again. Things here at the chapter are hopping and services are growing too. We
are working to make the chapter look renewed as spring moves along into summer.
These early warm days remind us to take a look at things differently.
We are rededicating ourselves to offering more health and safety classes, speaking to more
community organizations and finding partners throughout Dutchess County who can make this
a better place to live. So remind your friends that whether they throw change in a
donation can or write a check for $1,000, give blood or volunteer they are part of the
American Red Cross of Dutchess County. It is easy to focus on the big things, the
national responses and forget that small local efforts help those who live and work in
Dutchess County.
Join with me as we awaken from winter and rededicate ourselves to the growth of the
American Red Cross of Dutchess County. It is the time to step lively and enjoy being
a part of the changes taking place here at the chapter and here in Dutchess County.
There is so much to do, so much to learn and so much to celebrate as we move forward as a
new Dutchess County chapter.
Thanks for all you do and for all you bring to the American Red Cross of Dutchess
County. Stop in and say hello anytime.
Willis
Blood Services
Blood is a vital part of the community’s health and is needed every day to help
patients. It has a limited shelf life of only 42 days and consistent donations are needed
to replenish supplies. The need for blood doesn’t take a summer vacation!
The summer season traditionally sees 10% - 15% drop in blood donations. Many blood donors
leave on vacation and fewer schools sponsor blood drives. The Red Cross needs new sponsors
and donors to support the blood program. This will ensure our hospitals have the blood
they need to take care of patients.
For Red Cross eligibility guidelines and appointment scheduling, please call
1-800-GIVE-LIFE or log on to www.DonateBloodNow.org
Gift Planning
The mission of the American Red Cross is to provide relief to victims of disasters, and
help people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies. With your help that can
continue.
Are you considering a gift to the American Red Cross through estate planning. If so, we
can help by sending information about wills and estate planning. There is also available
information on gifts that provide lifetime income and tax benefits.
If you do not have a will, consider the following benefits…
AVOID the distribution of your estate according to the legal formulas of your state rather
than your own wishes.
CONTROL the distribution of your estate to your family, friends, and the charitable
organizations that mean so much to you.
PLAN for decreasing your potential estate and inheritance taxes.
For more information please call 845-471-0200, ext 310
What a Year!
What a year it has been for Disaster Services! This has been the busiest disaster year in
the chapter’s history. We could not provide our services if it weren’t for the
amazing Dutchess county volunteers. Their dedication, commitment and level of
professionalism is just incredible.
The year started out with an unprecedented hurricane season. Hurricane Katrina brought 56
families to our area. We provided assistance to 198 people displaced by these hurricanes.
Hurricane Katrina also brought over 150 new volunteers into the chapter. Additionally, 18
volunteers were deployed to work on various operations involved around Hurricanes Katrina,
Rita and Wilma. The chapter did an incredible job responding to and meeting the needs of
those displaced, while continuing local community service.
This year, in Dutchess County, Red Cross services have been called on more than ever
before. To date, response has been given to 106 incidents, and services provided to 550
individuals. As of April 19th over $120,000 in disaster relief assistance has been given.
We continue to reach out to the public and make them aware of who The Red Cross is and
what we do. This is an exciting time of growth and change!
Health & Safety
INSTRUCTORS NEEDED
Did you know we provide safety information to public groups such as scout groups, parents
and grandparents and daycare centers? We set up the class, register students, and ready
the classroom. Want you to help teach? Consider teaching a scheduled class or look to the
future and reserve dates on the calendar. Thanks – you do make a difference!
There are exciting changes in the CPR/First Aid Courses. CPR/FA/AED workplace/community
level instructors will update between now and September 1 and CPR/PRO and Lifeguard
instructors should look for update materials sometime this fall.
All instructors will be required to purchase the materials for the classes they are
teaching, complete an on-line group orientation or self study update and submit
verification to chapter.
Together We Prepare – This program incorporates
all the services of the American Red Cross so people think about and take action to
prepare for emergency situations. This program is available for your group or
organization. Consider becoming a presenter. Call Pam at 471-0200, ext 306. |
