For more than 70 years, March has been recognized as Red Cross Month by the successive Presidents of the United States.
Red Cross Month is the time of year when the Red Cross recognizes our volunteer heroes and when we redouble our efforts to recruit additional volunteers across Montana. Here in our region, Red Cross volunteers respond to disasters, assist military families, give blood, install free smoke alarms and perform many other essential roles.
Anyone who is looking to make a difference, learn a new skill, and help their neighbors in need can sign up to become a Red Cross volunteer. With flood season already upon us and wildfire season looming ahead, there is still time to train and be ready for our busiest disaster season.
At a single-family fire, I had the blessing of handing a “care kit” which contains personal hygiene items like shampoo and soap and wash clothes, to a woman who had just lost everything including her home in a fire. She wept as I handed her the kit and we all wept with her as she said she was so thankful for it and for owning something again.
We need people with a wide variety of skills and backgrounds, and all training is free! To determine which role is right for you and to apply, go to redcross.org/montana. People can also support our mission by becoming a blood donor or financial contributor.
Dallas D. Erickson, Chair
Ravalli County Disaster Action Team
American Red Cross of Montana