By Diane Wright, Chief Development Officer, American Red Cross of Montana
When Hurricane Sandy struck last October, Montana Brownie Troop 3623 immediately took action. Realizing that many hurricane victims did not have immediate access to clean drinking water, they designed special water bottles and began selling them throughout their community to raise funds for disaster relief. This is one of many stories illustrating the extraordinary generosity of our fellow Montanans who support our efforts here at home, across the country and around the world.
Red Cross Month was celebrated in March. Red Cross Month is a time when the American Red Cross is recognized nationally for its work in communities across our country. Since the Montana Chapter’s grassroots beginnings in 1907, the organization has provided services to victims of disasters large and small.
From disaster relief to blood collection, to teaching preparedness and lifesaving skills, to supporting military families, none of it would be possible without the support from Montana volunteers and donors.
Through their support, the Montana Red Cross accomplished the following in FY12:
• assisted 646 community members/families affected by fires and other disasters;
• opened 20 shelters and served 11,075 meals and 9970 snacks to Montanans affected by floods and wildfires;
• helped 1,339 Montanans prepare for emergencies with their Get Ready, Montana preparedness workshops;
• distributed 43,045 units of lifesaving blood to 30 hospitals across the state;
• provided pre-deployment briefings to 2,126 military families;
• provided 778 other services to members of the military, veterans and their families;
• taught 29,282 Montanans lifesaving skills through Red Cross training courses.
We thank those whose generosity and commitment enables us to continue our work. By helping Red Cross you are helping your neighbors. On their behalf and our own, we are truly grateful.