Atlanta Red Cross Celebrates National Volunteer Week (April 15-21) and Beyond

National Volunteer Week (April 15-21) may be over, but our gratitude and admiration for Red Cross volunteers is everlasting.We’ll continue our video tributes to Red Cross volunteers through the end of April.
Question: Which Atlanta Red Cross volunteer was a state probation officer for 30+ years? Watch this video to find out 

Atlanta Red Cross Celebrates National Volunteer Week, April

Phyllis Thomas, Atlanta Red Cross volunteer, shares her perspective on the importance of volunteering. Phyllis is one of the many volunteers that the Red Cross is celebrating during National Volunteer Week, April 15-21. For information on becoming a Red Cross volunteer go to atlantaredcross.org. or call the volunteer hotline number at 404-870-4425

The Atlanta Red Cross Celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 15-21

Terri Patterson, Atlanta Red Cross volunteer, delves into her thoughts on the importance of volunteering. Terri is one the many volunteers that the Red Cross is celebrating during National Volunteer Week, April 15-21. For information on becoming a Red Cross volunteer, go to atlantaredcross.org or call the volunteer hotline number at 404-870-4425.

The Atlanta Red Cross Celebrates National Volunteer Week, April 15-21

Imagine getting a call at 3 AM from a person who very calmly and coolly tells you that a large number of apartment dwellers have been displaced by smoke and fire. Then imagine stumbling out of  bed, jumping into your car and travelling to the scene of the disaster, where you are met by several of the displaced who are frantically seeking assistance.  Now imagine that you see a car pull up with a driver who, like you, is wearing a Red Cross vest. That person is then followed by a procession of others, all wearing that familiar Red symbol of hope and all committed to helping the newly homeless.  Now imagine your relief as what was once a chaotic and seemingly hopeless situation now transitions into a scene of serenity.  And though you don’t utter a word, the slight smile on your face proclaims that  “Red Cross volunteers have arrived and that everything will be alright.”  Later that day, imagine sitting in front of your TV set and seeing the story of the fire that you responded to earlier. Then imagine that after the reporter recounts the tragic loss of property and piece of mind, she ends her report with an obvious air of hope and optimism when she says  that “all  of  the displaced residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross.” 

This real-life drama is played out an average of  3-4 times a day here in Atlanta  and the plot and actors are invariably the same— disaster strikes, our friends and neighbors are displaced and Red Cross volunteers save the day. While we all know that Red Crossers are special and that their committment to mission is exceptional it never hurts to remember that as volunteerism is at the core of a thriving community so are Red Cross volunteers the foundation of the greatest humanitarian force on the planet, whether they are responding to disasters, teaching CPR, providing emotional support to disaster-stricken families coordinating blood drives or providing administrative support in Red Cross offices.

While Webster defines a volunteer as one who enters into or offers himself for a service of his own free will, this writer  defines a volunteer as the quintessential Red Crosser, ignoring his or her own needs and comfort, while bringing hope and reassurance to his fellow-man.

So in celebration of National Volunteer Week (April 15-21)  we’re sending heartfelt thanks to all Red Cross Atlanta Red Cross volunteers, and indeed to Red Cross volunteers throughout Georgia, this great country and around the world–

Thank you for being unselfish.

Thank you for being compassionate.                                                             

Thank you for being committed.   

Thank you for providing care to the least of us.

Thank you for your sacrifice.

Thank you for being a Red Cross volunteer.  

To find out how you can volunteer go to atlantaredcross.org or call the Atlanta Red Cross volunteer hotline at (404) 870-4425.

Proclamation from the President for Red Cross month

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

 After more than 130 years of providing humanitarian relief at home and abroad, the American Red Cross remains a reflection of the compassion and generosity central to our national identity. At moments of profound need, the actions of men and women across our country reflect our noblest ideals of service — from search-and-rescue teams that brave disaster zones to ordinary citizens who deliver not only lifesaving care and supplies, but also hope for a brighter tomorrow. During American Red Cross Month, we pay tribute to all those whose dedication to relieving human suffering illuminates even our darkest hours.

A visionary humanitarian and unyielding advocate for those in need, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881 after many years of tending to soldiers and families injured in war’s wake. In the generations that followed, the American Red Cross served as a force for peace and recovery during times of crisis. Presidents of the United States have called upon the American Red Cross time and again, beginning when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed Red Cross Week during the First World War, and continuing into the 21st century.

Today, emergency response organizations like the American Red Cross continue to play a vital role in responding to disasters that cast countless lives and communities into harm’s way. When devastating storms struck cities spanning the Midwest to the Eastern Seaboard this past year, the American Red Cross and other relief organizations were instrumental partners in preparedness, response, and recovery. And when a devastating earthquake shook Japan’s Pacific coast, they answered by extending support to the people of Japan and standing with them as they rebuild.

We are reminded in times like these that the strength of our humanitarian response and the measure of our resilience are drawn not only from the committed action of relief organizations, but also from individuals who step forward, volunteer, or give what they can to help their neighbors in need. With generous spirits and can-do attitudes, Americans from every corner of our country have come together again and again to show the true character of our Nation. As we celebrate American Red Cross Month, let us resolve to preserve and renew that humanitarian impulse to save, to serve, and to build, and carry it forward in the year to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America and Honorary Chairman of the American Red Cross, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim March 2012 as American Red Cross Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month with appropriate programs, ceremonies, and activities, and by supporting the work of service and relief organizations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of March, in the year of our Lord two thousand twelve, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA