The season to say ‘thank you’ emphasized at American Red Cross open house event

  • by Jennifer Kneuss
  • December 17, 2012
  • 377
                        
Summary: Military personnel and veterans are being thanked by members of the community during this holiday season through the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program. The program was featured during the Muskingum Lakes Chapter’s recent Christmas Open House. Christmas Open Houses are not unusual, but the Muskingum Lakes Chapter of the American Red Cross’ annual open house was not just an event with plenty of delicious food, Christmas music, and conversation. It was also an opportunity for guests to take a moment to pause and remember the military veterans and men and women serving their country this holiday season. The December 13 open house was held at the Chapter offices at 1451 Fourth Street in New Philadelphia. Anyone in the community, whether they were Red Cross volunteers, beneficiaries of the emergency services offered by the chapter, or supporters in any way, were welcome to attend. While there, guests were encouraged to create a message of hope and holiday cheer, along with a generous dose of gratitude, on greeting cards supplied by the organization as part of the American Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program. The cards will be mailed to recipients in time for Christmas. “It’s a great way to say thank you to the men and women who serve our country and let them know we remember and value their sacrifice,” said Chad Conrad, director of the Muskingum Lakes Chapter, as he greeted guests and shared the story of the mission of the Red Cross. In the background, holiday music played and the murmurs of low laughter and happy conversation could be heard as guests enjoyed a light buffet provided by staff members and volunteers. The flow of visitors was steady throughout the two hour event. “Usually people think of the Red Cross in times of crisis, but with this event we feel we can bring some holiday spirit to the community and celebrate mission of helping the community prevent, prepare and respond to an emergency situation,” said Conrad. The local organization only employs two staff members, with the remainder of the work handled by the much utilized group of volunteers who are its backbone. It may be a home fire, a flood, electricity outage or a tornado, but the Red Cross is always quick to assist. As a non-profit organization, they rely exclusively on donations from corporations, foundations, community partners, and individual donors to keep on doing the work they have been doing since Clara Barton first allied herself with the Red Cross as the American Red Cross in 1881 to meet the needs of those in distress, whether as a result of war or natural disasters. The Muskingum Lakes Chapter emphasizes not only response but also prevention, with babysitting classes, CPR training, first aid, water safety/swim lessons, blood donation sites, and more. They offer a strong AED program, a support group for military families, emergency help for families and individuals, and the annual Hometown Heroes recognition. Displays and a slide show promoted the many areas in which the program assists area residents. Youth from ages 14 – 17 can also work as Red Cross volunteers alongside their adult counterparts. There are plenty of jobs to go around, and potential partners are encouraged to call the local office at 330-343-8863, or to stop in during business hours to discover their own “fit” or meet with a volunteer organizer. More information can also be found online at http://www.redcross.org/oh/new-philadelphia. Conrad is quick to point out that the community served by the Chapter, which includes Tuscarawas, Harrison, and Carroll counties, is blessed to have such a dynamic group of volunteers, saying, “We are glad to have the support of those in our local neighborhoods.”


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