An Editorial....

On a personal note......

In the past, when we heard the words "Red Cross", we used to think of blood drives, swimming lessons and help for starving natives in foreign lands. 

That was before our home and those of many of our neighbors were destroyed in a wildfire. The speed with which the local Red Cross Disaster Unit responded and the obvious deep concern and caring of the trained volunteers is a memory that we will retain long after the horror of that experience has faded. Before the flames were out, we were being provided with shelter, food, clothes, money and counseling. And the follow-up continued for weeks after to be sure that we were okay. 

On September 11, 2001 a disaster struck our country, far more horrible and devastating than any fire, flood, hurricane, tornado or other natural disaster we have experienced. Within minutes, the American Red Cross was on the scene again, and it remained intimately involved for many months after.

Every year, day in and day out, disaster strikes somewhere in our country, as well as around the world. We sincerely hope that, the next time the Red Cross contacts you for help, whether for blood, donations or time, you will respond.... because they do!