On Tuesday, May 12th the American Red Cross of Upstate SC in Pickens County hosted its annual volunteer recognition dinner. The theme for the dinner was an Oscar Party – Pickens County style. The paparazzi even showed up to take photos of the Red Cross celebrities.
Every May, American Red Cross volunteers, partners and friends gather to celebrate and reflect on the past year. Usually we share a few statistics and highlights, perhaps reveal a few of the quirks of our staff and volunteers and recognize everyone for their commitment to our mission.
During these difficult and often stressful times, each of us is continually asked to do more with less at home, at work and with our families. Sarah Dow, Director of The American Red Cross of Upstate SC in Pickens County states that she “finds focus by remembering why she is here.” You see for Sarah, her passion for the mission of the Red Cross predates her service to the organization. Despite the fact that it has been over 15 years, the story she shares is still as clear and emotional today.
It is one of the very many stories that bind her so closely to the mission of the American Red Cross.
Katie, one of Sarah’s high school classmates, lost her home to a fire. The fire department arrived on scene that Friday night but could not save the home – it was completely destroyed. Her family did not have homeowner’s insurance. For two days her family of five lived out of their car in the driveway of their destroyed home - alone. She went to school the next Monday wearing the same clothes she had been wearing all weekend. The clothes were wrinkled, dirty with soot and sweat and reeked with the unique smell of a burned home. You see at that time there was not a Red Cross in the community where Sarah lived. She remembers her mother, with tears in her eyes, handing Katie $200 after school that Monday to buy clothes wishing she could do more to help. Sarah also saw the struggle in Katie's eyes before she looked down at her feet as she decided to accept the gift with embarrassment.
10 years later Sarah had the opportunity to work with the American Red Cross in her new community ensuring families, unlike Katie’s, would have a shoulder to lean, new clothing, shoes, shelter and food after a disaster.
Sarah is proud to be a part of the American Red Cross of Upstate SC, which serves Greenville, Abbeville, Anderson, Greenwood, Laurens, McCormick and Pickens counties, was founded in 1917, nearly 100 years ago.
Every year we face a new set of challenges. Each time the Red Cross rises to meet the challenge head on – never wavering from our commitment to help people prepare, prevent and respond to emergencies.
In a time when change and uncertainty reign, Sarah believes the following statement speaks to the spirit and very nature of the American Red Cross,
“Although its growth may seem to have been slow, it is to be remembered that it is not a shrub, or plant, to shoot up in the summer and wither in the frosts. The Red Cross is a part of us – it has come to stay – and like a sturdy oak; its spreading branches shall yet encompass and shelter the relief of the nation.”
Clara Barton shared these thoughts on May 14, 1904 at the ceremony for her retirement as the President of the American Red Cross. Those words still ring true today and the Red Cross symbol continues to provide comfort and shelter to those in need - especially during these challenging times.
Many volunteers were recognized Tuesday evening for their service. Four special volunteers were recognized for their years of service to the American Red Cross. Each of them has 15 years of service with the American Red Cross for a combined total of 60 years! Those volunteers are: Bill Penn, Joan Penn, Mike Little and Gloria Little.
The Female Volunteer of the Year was Crossie Cox and the Male Volunteer of the Year was Mike Little.
We could not help or train our neighbors if it was not for our volunteers – they are the lifeblood of the American Red Cross. Next time you see a Red Cross volunteer; please tell them “thank you” for a job well done.
To find out more information about the American Red Cross and volunteer opportunities, please call 864-878-0131 or email Sarah Dow at dows@usa.redcross.org.
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Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
The American Red Cross Celebrates 128 Years!
Today is the "Birthday" of our American Red Cross. This is a great time to remember the Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement:
Humanity The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace among all peoples.
Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
Neutrality In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
Independence The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
Voluntary Service It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
Unity There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
Universality The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
Want to learn more about the history of the American Red Cross? Visit this page!
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Humanity The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace among all peoples.
Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.
Neutrality In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.
Independence The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.
Voluntary Service It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.
Unity There can be only one Red Cross or one Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.
Universality The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all Societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.
Want to learn more about the history of the American Red Cross? Visit this page!
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Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Volunteers Recognized at Upstate Awards Dinner
Last week, American Red Cross Volunteers from all over the Upstate were celebrated and cheered at the Annual Meeting and Volunteer Awards Dinner.
Volunteers were recognized for attaining milestones in years of service to the ARC of Upstate South Carolina. Some especially dedicated Volunteers were nominated for awards given in recognition of outstanding service.
Martha Dove received the New Volunteer of the Year Award
Roger Myers received the Disaster Volunteer of the Year Award
Sally Clark received the Doris Simpson Burgess Award
Keith Ridgeway received the Diversified Volunteer of the Year Award
Earl Wright received the Henri Dunant Award for the outstanding male Volunteer of the year
Anna Cuson received the Clara Barton Award for the outstanding female Volunteer of the year
Tanya Carter received the Tiffany Award for Employee Excellence
If you should see any of these dedicated individuals, please thank them for their hard yet rewarding work.
Volunteers are the heart of the Red Cross!
Catch our Tweets!
Volunteers were recognized for attaining milestones in years of service to the ARC of Upstate South Carolina. Some especially dedicated Volunteers were nominated for awards given in recognition of outstanding service.
Martha Dove received the New Volunteer of the Year Award
Roger Myers received the Disaster Volunteer of the Year Award
Sally Clark received the Doris Simpson Burgess Award
Keith Ridgeway received the Diversified Volunteer of the Year Award
Earl Wright received the Henri Dunant Award for the outstanding male Volunteer of the year
Anna Cuson received the Clara Barton Award for the outstanding female Volunteer of the year
Tanya Carter received the Tiffany Award for Employee Excellence
If you should see any of these dedicated individuals, please thank them for their hard yet rewarding work.
Volunteers are the heart of the Red Cross!
Catch our Tweets!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Gettys Middle School Student Saves Child's Life Using ARC Training
Sarah Dow, Director of the Pickens Office of the ARC of Upstate SC, sends us this Good News item.
Mrs. Dorothy Blanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Gettys Middle School in Easley, SC, relayed the following story:
"One of my 8th grade students told me that she saved a little boy’s life at church yesterday by using Abdominal Thrusts. She said the adult in charge just wanted to pat him on the back, and she told the adult she was trained and knew what she was doing because she learned it in school a couple of days ago."
Mrs. Blanton teaches American Red Cross lifesaving skills to her students every year including: Adult CPR, Infant and Child CPR, Babysitters Training and First Aid.
To learn more about lifesaving training visit our website at www.upstateredcross.org.
Mrs. Dorothy Blanton, Family and Consumer Sciences Teacher at Gettys Middle School in Easley, SC, relayed the following story:
"One of my 8th grade students told me that she saved a little boy’s life at church yesterday by using Abdominal Thrusts. She said the adult in charge just wanted to pat him on the back, and she told the adult she was trained and knew what she was doing because she learned it in school a couple of days ago."
Mrs. Blanton teaches American Red Cross lifesaving skills to her students every year including: Adult CPR, Infant and Child CPR, Babysitters Training and First Aid.
To learn more about lifesaving training visit our website at www.upstateredcross.org.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Happy World Red Cross Red Crescent Day!
Today, May 8, join us here at the American Red Cross of Upstate South Carolina in celebrating World Red Cross Red Crescent Day.
This story taken from RedCross.org helps show how the work of your local Chapter, the National American Red Cross, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are all intertwined.
This story taken from RedCross.org helps show how the work of your local Chapter, the National American Red Cross, and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are all intertwined.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
T.L. Hanna Student Becomes First Ever in Anderson County to Win the American Red Cross Certificate of Merit
Caitlin Chapman, a T.L. Hanna High School student, became the first person from Anderson County to win the prestigious American Red Cross Certificate of Merit. The award is given to individuals who have saved or sustained a life as a direct result of their American Red Cross CPR/First Aid training.
Read the full story on the Anderson Independent-Mail's website.
To learn how to save a life, call your local Upstate American Red Cross office:
Greenville 271-8222
Anderson 225-8666
Abbeville 366-6800
Greenwood 229-3102
Laurens 938-0622
McCormick 465-3636
Pickens 878-0131
Read the full story on the Anderson Independent-Mail's website.
To learn how to save a life, call your local Upstate American Red Cross office:
Greenville 271-8222
Anderson 225-8666
Abbeville 366-6800
Greenwood 229-3102
Laurens 938-0622
McCormick 465-3636
Pickens 878-0131
Friday, May 01, 2009
Changes to American Red Cross Policy Regarding Tornado Safety
On Wednesday, April 29, The Weather Channel reported a change in American Red Cross policy with regards to tornado safety recommendations.
The specific change pertains to what people should do if they are outdoors, or in a mobile (manufactured) home, or in a car and without access to sturdy shelter when a tornado warning is issued. Previously the American Red Cross adhered to the National Weather Service's recommendation that people should lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
However, after careful consideration, the Advisory Council for First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness (ACFASP), an independent panel of health and safety experts that advise the Red Cross, found no scientific evidence to support this long-held tenant. Therefore, the revised American Red Cross recommendation is as follows:
If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, tornado shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot get to shelter, a recent study suggests doing the following:
Get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and try to drive at right angles to the storm movement and out of the path of the tornado.
If strong winds and flying debris occur while you are driving, pull over and park, keeping seat belts on and the engine running. Crouch down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket if possible.
If you are unable to get to a building or vehicle, as a last resort, lie in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
The specific change pertains to what people should do if they are outdoors, or in a mobile (manufactured) home, or in a car and without access to sturdy shelter when a tornado warning is issued. Previously the American Red Cross adhered to the National Weather Service's recommendation that people should lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area.
However, after careful consideration, the Advisory Council for First Aid, Aquatics, Safety and Preparedness (ACFASP), an independent panel of health and safety experts that advise the Red Cross, found no scientific evidence to support this long-held tenant. Therefore, the revised American Red Cross recommendation is as follows:
If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, tornado shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot get to shelter, a recent study suggests doing the following:
Get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt, and try to drive at right angles to the storm movement and out of the path of the tornado.
If strong winds and flying debris occur while you are driving, pull over and park, keeping seat belts on and the engine running. Crouch down below the windows, covering your head with your hands and a blanket if possible.
If you are unable to get to a building or vehicle, as a last resort, lie in a ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands.
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