Red Cross is There!

 

                                                NEWS RELEASE

August 30, 2010

 Fires on the Rise

Red Cross is There!

Springfield, MO – Perhaps it’s the very warm weather we have experienced in the Ozarks or maybe a stream of unfortunate circumstances, but the number of fires the Red Cross has responded to lately is unusual for this time of the year.  In addition to the devastating apartment building fires, especially the most recent in Joplin, volunteers are on the scene lately for an average of two fires per day.  We can only hope this is not an indication of how bad things will be this winter, when fires are definitely more prevalent.  At the present time the Greater Ozarks Chapter responds to the emergency needs of people affected by disasters in 29 counties in So. Missouri. 

            Since August 18, 2010, a period of 12 days, Disaster Action Team (DAT) volunteers have responded to 20 fires that occurred in 12 counties with five of those fires taking place in Greene County.  Thirteen of those fires destroyed the homes completely.  The Red Cross helped 56 people with temporary shelter, food, clothing and medicine.

            On August 16, 2010, the chapter was able to help a family of four who experienced major damage to their single-family home in Sarcoxie, MO.  Volunteers assisted the family with comfort kits, teddy bears, food, shoes and clothing and motel room expenses for three nights.  The father is stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan.  The family so desperately needed him at home and the Service to Armed Forces Department of the Greater Ozarks Chapter, at the request of the wife, proceeded to get a message to the military command and he was able to get leave from Afghanistan and return home to take care of his family.  The mission of the Red Cross is to provide relief to victims of disaster and to help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.  But they are also there to keep military families connected in times of emergencies.  The chapter is pleased they were able to help this family begin their recovery process, as well as re-unite the family. 

It’s not even fire season yet!

About the American Red Cross:  The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

Summer-thetime of year for fun at the pool, lake and beach, but accidents canhappen if you take a vacation from safety! The Red Cross has severaltips to help you stay safe in or around the water. First, everyoneshould learn to swim and swim well! Nobody, including adults shouldever swim alone and children should always be supervised! Second,kids and adults who are not strong swimmers should wearU.S.Coast Guard approvedlife jackets anytime they are around the water. Third, if you have apool, keep basic lifesaving equipment nearby, like a ring buoy,first aid kit, and cell phone. Finally, take a first aid and CPRclass so that you can respond in the event of anemergency!

 

 

 

 

 

                                         

 

 

 

Thank You for helping families in their darkest times...

Disaster Action Team on scene
  before the flames are out...

Hi Everyone,

For those of you who don't know, we have had an incredible response going on in Joplin.   On the morning of Monday the 23rd  an apartment fire destroyed 32 units.  The response is so large that it has been assigned a Disaster Relief Operations Number by our National Headquarters.  The video clip on our YouTube site has already received more than 1500 views http://www.youtube.com/ozarksredcross

Red Cross staff and volunteers were immediately on scene providing assistance and emotional support.  Of the 32 units only 3 were unoccupied - 29 families lost everything they own.  We have helped these families with financial assistance and/or hygiene and comfort items.  We opened a service center with our partners at the Center for Independent Living where those affected received assistance from several agencies in one place.  17% of those assisted were 12 years or younger - and we had 4 that were under 2 years.   Only one family had renter's insurance.  Staff and volunteers alike were moved by the losses suffered.

One Mom told us this story:  She heard about the fire and as she rushed over to see if her son and his family were okay, she thought back to just 2 years ago when her other son Casey, a volunteer firefighter with the Seneca Fire District, was killed while out helping to warn others about an approaching tornado.  Later that year the Red Cross honored Casey posthumously as one of our Everyday Heroes.   "When I arrived, the first person I saw was from the Red Cross" and she knew everyone would be taken care of.  Her son and his family were unhurt, and the Red Cross was able to provide the assistance they needed.

It is true that we often meet families in their darkest time.  But being able to help them at that moment of greatest need, providing not only for their physical but also emotional needs is so rewarding.  Thank you all for making it possible for us to carry out our mission - I appreciate you more than I can say.

For more see our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/OzarksRedCross or view our Flickr slideshow.

Debi

Debi Meeds
Chief Executive Officer
American Red Cross
Greater Ozarks Chapter

Red Cross Apartment Fire Update

NEWS RELEASE
August 25, 2010
Red Cross Apartment Fire Update

Joplin, MO –

Red Cross volunteers have assess the need for continuing shelter services and have determined to close the shelter at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church effective Wednesday, August 25, at 7am.

Red Cross volunteers will continue to operate the victim casework service center at the Independent Living Center will remain open until 5pm Wednesday, August 25.

Thursday, August 26, caseworkers will move to the Chapter office located at 410 S. Jackson in Joplin, between the hours of 8:30am and 4pm. Those needing further assistance may contact the office at 417-624-4411.

The American Red Cross relies upon highly trained volunteers to respond to disasters such as this in our community. Those wishing to learn more about volunteer opportunities may attend a free orientation on Saturday, September 11, 9am- 1pm at the Red Cross office. To register, call the office at 417-624-4411.

Financial contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may mailed to the Joplin Office of the American Red Cross at 410 S. Jackson, Joplin, MO 64804.



Help people affected by disasters like apartment fires by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.



Kerstin Landwer
Executive Director of Development
American Red Cross
Greater Ozarks Chapter
410 S. Jackson
Joplin, MO 64801
(417)624-4411
(417)624-2391 fax

You are invited to one of our "Red Cross Experience" open house luncheons that we hold each month. They are always the second Wednesday of each month. Please call me at (417) 624-4411 RSVP.

Pakistan Relief

American Red Cross Increases Pakistan Flood Support to $5 Million

 

Aid includes supplies and financial assistance as two disaster experts leave for Pakistan

 

Washington, D.C., Wednesday, August 25, 2010 – As flood waters continue to wreak havoc on communities across Pakistan, the American Red Cross is increasing its support to $5 million to help families who have lost their homes and jobs and have little access to clean water and food.

 

“The need for increased support could not be more urgent, given that more than 10 million people in Pakistan are in need of humanitarian relief,” said David Meltzer, senior vice president of international services for the American Red Cross. “Given this dire need, we are using reserve funds in addition to donations received for Pakistan to get more aid into Pakistan more quickly.”

 

The American Red Cross had previously committed $1 million in supplies and financial support to Pakistan relief, and today’s announcement is for a $4 million increase in support for the flood-ravaged country. The aid will go to support the efforts of the global Red Cross and Red Crescent network on the ground in Pakistan. In addition to aid, two disaster experts are being deployed to Pakistan to help coordinate the relief efforts.

 

Tens of thousands of Pakistan Red Crescent staff and volunteers continue to work around the clock to distribute relief items, such as tents, water, and food to nearly 400,000 people. Thirty-seven Red Crescent field medical teams are now working up and down the flood zone and have treated more than 48,000 people, including – with epidemic fears growing – nearly 12,000 cases of diarrhea.

 

“One of our major concerns is that when people, especially children, are desperately thirsty they will drink from contaminated water sources, which can result in water-borne diseases such as cholera,” said Alex Mahoney, Asia disaster response manager for the American Red Cross.

 

The Pakistani government has not confirmed any cases of cholera, but tens of thousands of people are said to be suffering from the acute diarrhea that invariably follows major floods, which instantly contaminates natural water sources.

 

The global Red Cross and Red Crescent network is also increasing its response, with an increased appeal to help more than 900,000 people for 18 months. Seven Red Cross Emergency Response Units for relief, logistics, water and sanitation, and health are being deployed to support the ongoing relief efforts.

 

The Pakistan Red Crescent Society, the equivalent of the American Red Cross in Pakistan, was formed in 1947 and similarly responds to floods, fires, droughts, earthquakes and other natural disasters in the country. It has approximately 130,000 volunteers and provides first aid and CPR training, blood collection, ambulance services, HIV/AIDS education and prevention and operates several auxiliary medical service centers.

 

To help those affected by the flooding, please make a donation to the American Red Cross online at www.redcross.org or by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.

 

You can help people affected by disasters, like the floods in Pakistan, as well as countless crises at home and around the world, by making a donation to support American Red Cross Disaster Relief.  Your gift enables the Red Cross to prepare for and provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance in response to disasters. Visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.  Contributions may also be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

 

– END –

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

Summer-thetime of year for fun at the pool, lake and beach, but accidents canhappen if you take a vacation from safety! The Red Cross has severaltips to help you stay safe in or around the water. First, everyoneshould learn to swim and swim well! Nobody, including adults shouldever swim alone and children should always be supervised! Second,kids and adults who are not strong swimmers should wearU.S.Coast Guard approvedlife jackets anytime they are around the water. Third, if you have apool, keep basic lifesaving equipment nearby, like a ring buoy,first aid kit, and cell phone. Finally, take a first aid and CPRclass so that you can respond in the event of anemergency!

 

 

 

 

 

                                         

 

 

 

Golden Rule for Back to School

NEWS RELEASE

 

The Golden Rule for Back to School

August 25, 2010 — Whether it’s the last-minute run to the store for the glue that will hold a child’s project together or the dozens of bake-sale cupcakes whipped up late at night, parents frequently deal with the unexpected. Being prepared for emergencies—and not just the glue and cupcake variety—is the new golden rule for having a great school year.

Get a Kit
Most back-to-school shopping lists feature items like pencils, notebooks and folders. This year, make sure you also have items for an emergency preparedness kit.

At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy-to-carry container that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.

• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Food—non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items
• Multipurpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area

Make a Plan
Every family should create and practice an evacuation and communications plan. Each person should know how to reach other family members and where to meet if they can’t return home. You should also designate an out-of-area relative or friend as an emergency contact and make sure all household members know how to contact this person.

To make an evacuation plan, choose two meeting places: one right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, such as a fire, and another outside your neighborhood in case you cannot return home or are asked to evacuate.

Decide where you would go and what route you would take if you had to evacuate. Make sure to also plan ahead for your pets. Keep a phone list of "pet friendly" motels/hotels and animal shelters that are along your evacuation routes.

Be Informed
Learning the skills you need to respond in an emergency before help arrives is another important key to being prepared. Make sure that at least one member of your household is trained in first aid and CPR and knows how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

To learn more and view CPR/AED and first aid demonstrations, visit redcross.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter to register for a class.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

Summer-thetime of year for fun at the pool, lake and beach, but accidents canhappen if you take a vacation from safety! The Red Cross has severaltips to help you stay safe in or around the water. First, everyoneshould learn to swim and swim well! Nobody, including adults shouldever swim alone and children should always be supervised! Second,kids and adults who are not strong swimmers should wearU.S.Coast Guard approvedlife jackets anytime they are around the water. Third, if you have apool, keep basic lifesaving equipment nearby, like a ring buoy,first aid kit, and cell phone. Finally, take a first aid and CPRclass so that you can respond in the event of anemergency!

 

 

 

 

 

                                         

 

 

 

Apartment Fire Update

Greater Ozarks Chapter-Joplin Office

410 S. Jackson

Joplin, MO  64801

417-624-4411

landwerk@redcross-ozarks.org

NEWS RELEASE

August 24, 2010

Red Cross Apartment Fire Update

Joplin, MO –

Red Cross volunteers established a service center on Tuesday to meet with families effected by the August 23^rd fire at the Oxford Apartments and have opened 24 cases so far.  Volunteers will be available from 9am until 5pm on Wednesday, August 25 at the Independent Living Center offices located at 2639 E. 34^th Street in Joplin.  The Newton County Family Support Division will be at the service center to assist those who lost food stamps in the fire. 

Thursday, August 26, caseworkers will move to the Chapter office located at 410 S. Jackson in Joplin, between the hours of 8:30am and 4pm.   Those needing further assistance may contact the office at 417-624-4411.  

Volunteers will continue to operate the shelter at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on 26^th Street in Joplin through Tuesday night (August 24).  The Red Cross will then reassess the need for sheltering services and our caseworkers will continue to work with fire victims to meet recovery needs.

The American Red Cross relies upon highly trained volunteers to respond to disasters such as this in our community.  Those wishing to learn more about volunteer opportunities may attend a free orientation on Saturday, September 11, 9am- 1pm at the Red Cross office.  To register, call the office at 417-624-4411.

Financial contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may mailed to the Joplin Office of the American Red Cross at 410 S. Jackson, Joplin, MO  64804.

           

Help people affected by disasters like apartment fires by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

Kerstin Landwer

Executive Director of Development

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

410 S. Jackson

Joplin, MO  64801

(417)624-4411

(417)624-2391 fax

Pet First Aid Class

 

 

NEWS RELEASE

 (FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE)

8/24/2010

Red Cross Offers Pet First Aid Class

 

Springfield, MO – We never know when our pets are going to be in need of interim emergency care from an accident or serious illness.  The Greater Ozarks Chapter of the American Red Cross knows that pets are very much a part of our families and we want members of our community to have an opportunity to learn more about providing that emergency care until the pet may be taken to a veterinarian.  For the pet enthusiast the chapter is offering a Pet First Aid Class on Saturday, August 28, 2010.   The class will include first aid and CPR for dogs and cats.    

 

                                    COST:               $35.00 for one (dog or cat)      

                $50.00 for both                                       

                                    LOCATION:       1545 N. West Bypass

                                                                  Springfield, MO  65803

                                    TIME:                  9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

 

For more information on this class or to register, please call the Health and Safety Department at 417-832-9500 or 866-206-0256 (toll free).

                       

                                                                                   

 The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood; teaches lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization — not a government agency — and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Joann Moore

Public Information Officer

Financial Development Assistant

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N. West Bypass

Springfield, MO.  65803

417-832-9500  EXT. 107

Fax 417-866-3649

Toll Free: 1-866-206-0256 EXT. 107

moorej@redcross-ozarks.org   

 

       

    SHOP OURONLINE STOREwww.redcross-ozarks.org/storefor a selection of SAFETYSUPPLIES!

 

Summer-thetime of year for fun at the pool, lake and beach, but accidents canhappen if you take a vacation from safety! The Red Cross has severaltips to help you stay safe in or around the water. First, everyoneshould learn to swim and swim well! Nobody, including adults shouldever swim alone and children should always be supervised! Second,kids and adults who are not strong swimmers should wearU.S.Coast Guard approvedlife jackets anytime they are around the water. Third, if you have apool, keep basic lifesaving equipment nearby, like a ring buoy,first aid kit, and cell phone. Finally, take a first aid and CPRclass so that you can respond in the event of anemergency!

 

 

 

 

 

                                         

 

 

 

Red Cross Shelters Joplin Fire Victims

Greater Ozarks Chapter-Joplin Office

410 S. Jackson

Joplin, MO  64801

417-624-4411

landwerk@redcross-ozarks.org

Kerstin Landwer at 417-624-4411

NEWS RELEASE

August 23, 2010

Red Cross Responds to Apartment

Building Fire in Joplin

Joplin, MO –

Disaster Action Team (DAT) from the Joplin Office of the American Red Cross have responded to a two building apartment fire in Joplin.  Volunteers have been on hand to meet with victims of this disaster and are helping with temporary shelter, food and clothing.  At this time, we know that 29 units have been destroyed, and Red Cross volunteers have already opened cases for 16 of those displaced residents. 

Volunteers will continue to assess basic emergency needs of those people affected by this disaster and will also follow up with them in the days ahead.  A shelter will be established at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church on 26th Street in Joplin.  The Independent Living Center at 2639 E. 34th Street in Joplin has generously provided space for Red Cross volunteers over the next three days to meet with victims of the fire and to process casework for these clients.

If you would like to contribute to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund, please contact Kerstin Landwer at 417-624-4411.  To donate small quantities of food, clothing and home furnishings (in the Joplin area), please contact the Salvation Army or Crosslines who are better equipped to manage the distribution of these kinds of gifts. (Our caseworkers will be making referrals to our partner agencies in the community so that folks affected by this fire can obtain as much help as possible to begin the recovery process.)

Help people affected by disasters like apartment fires by donating to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. On those rare occasions when donations exceed Red Cross expenses for a specific disaster, contributions are used to prepare for and serve victims of other disasters. Your gift enables the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, emotional support and other assistance to victims of all disasters. Call 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions to the Disaster Relief Fund may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.

 

Public invited to welcome soldier home...

Welcome Home!


The Lebanon MO Office of the Red Cross is hosting a Welcome Home Reception for SPC 4 Stephen Marcum, a Lebanon High School graduate who was critically injured while on duty in Afghanistan.    This will be on Sunday, August 22, 1:30pm.  Stephen will be riding in the former Presidential Limousine owned by Harry S. Truman and escorted to the reception by the Patriot Guard.  Congressman Ike Skelton, Rep Darrell Pollock, the City of Lebanon, VFW, Friends of the Fort, and  the Red Cross will all be making special presentations to Stephen and his family for their sacrifice and service to our Nation.  Refreshments will be served and those in attendance will get a chance to thank Stephen and his family. 


(NOTE: If you cannot make it to Lebanon tomorrow - feel free to send your "welcome home Stephen" via email to info@redcross-ozarks.org and we will relay it for you.)

Volunteers respond at a moment's notice...

I wanted to share some news from the West Plains Office that should make everyone feel good about what we do. About noon today we received a call from the West Plains Fire Chief. He was on the scene of an accident that had resulted in a hazardous material spill south of West Plains, and requested canteening services from the Red Cross.

One of our DAT team members, Kathleen Hensley, was helping to staff the office, so she responded with heater meals and snacks. Approximately 25 firefighters, haz-mat team members, and police officers were at the scene, and greatly appreciated the Red Cross coming out. The fire department had furnished bottled water.

I’m grateful for dedicated volunteers like Kathleen who will do whatever needs to be done, and who represent the fundamental principles of the Red Cross so well. Thanks, Kathleen!


Jan Rickert
Executive Officer
American Red Cross
Greater Ozarks Chapter
West Plains Office
Tel: (417)257-0018,
Fax: (417)257-0024
rickertj@redcross-ozarks.org

Check out our NEW office located at 218 W. Main Street (across from Robertson-Drago Funeral Home) in West Plains.

*** In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events including floods. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity. Generally temperatures are 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region during summer months, last for a long period of time and occur with high humidity as well.

The Humanitarians of the Red Cross - World Humanitarian Day 2010

Tomorrow (August 19th) is World Humanitarian Day. This day has been set aside by the UN to "contribute to increasing public awareness about humanitarian work.....and to commemorate all humanitarians and United Nations and associated personnel who have worked in promotion of the humanitarian cause..." - In other words, this day was set aside to honor people who serve every day to make a difference in the lives of those around them.

Red Cross Volunteers are part of a cadre of millions of Humanitarian Aid Workers across the globe, in thousands of Humanitarian Organizations, coming together for one common purpose...to alleviate human suffering.

So what does it mean to be a Humanitarian? Dictionary.com defines a "Humanitarian" as:

HUMANITARIAN

hu·man·i·tar·i·an

1. having concern for or helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people.

2. of or pertaining to ethical or theological humanitarianism.

3. pertaining to the saving of human lives or to the alleviation of suffering

(source: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/humanitarian)

Each and every Red Cross Volunteer, no matter how big or small their contribution of time, is a  Humanitarian at heart. Whether serving with Disaster Services providing comfort and hope to those who have just lost everything, serving with Service to the Armed Forces keeping our soldiers connected to their families back home, serving the community by teaching a lifesaving skill or serving in countless other ways to ensure we can deliver the services that our community so desperately needs....volunteers are there, Serving the community, Giving people comfort, hope, food and shelter....all of the things that add up to ensure all people have their basic Human Dignity.

While many may not realize it, volunteers are saving lives and giving hope to people each and every day,  making the world a better place for those around you. They are, by definition, Humanitarians. I can't thank every volunteer enough for not only the time that they give, but the heart and soul that they put into their every humanitarian action.

Not only are they true Humanitarians, but my heroes. (And yes, all of them STILL Rock My Socks Off!)  I've long believed that there is nothing more rewarding, more powerful or more profound than giving of yourself to help another.  It doesn't matter what race, religion, gender, ethnicity, educational background or any other factor a person is...Humanitarianism is truly universal.  The video below is a tribute to the Humanitarians across the world who serve their fellow humans ever day.

In response to the compassion and dedication that I see our volunteers show each and every day, I always go back to the words of Shakespeare: "No other answer can I make, but thanks, thanks and thanks."

"...thanks, and thanks."

Luke

Kristofer "Luke" Bolz

Regional Executive Director of Volunteer Services

AmeriCorps Program Director and DSHR Administrator

American Red Cross

Greater Ozarks Chapter

1545 N West Bypass

Springfield, MO 65807

(417) 832-9500 ext. 141 (p)

(866) 206-0256 ext. 141 (p)

(417) 866-3649 (fax)

(877) 866-3649 (toll free fax)

***In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events including floods. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity. Generally temperatures are 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region during summer months, last for a long period of time and occur with high humidity as well.

Click on the link www.redcross.org/BeRedCrossReady and GETPREPARED!