"It sounded like a freight train"
"Suddenly everything was just gone......torn apart"
-Disaster Survivor, Chicago IL
*****A few seconds changed everything when deadly storms left this Illinois resident suddenly homeless and changed her life forever. It's hard to imagine unless you've experienced disaster personally or are close to someone who has.
The lives of thousands of families and individuals across the central and southern U.S. were upended by tornadoes, mass flooding and severe storms over the past months. Our Red Cross Response teams were immediately on the scene providing shelter, blankets, nutritious meals and snacks, and counseling. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with these families as long as it takes to help them return their lives to normal.
You know our promise: the Red Cross will always be there for people affected by disaster...but only because of voluntary donations. I hope you understand what a crucial role a donor plays in disaster response and readiness. Will you help today with a gift for disaster relief? We're in need of disaster funds right now----recent storm relief efforts across the country have strained our reserves. Your help will guarantee immediate relief, no matter where or how great the needs are.
Give today and become a lifeline of hope, support and comfort for those who've been affected by disaster. Thank you.
Bonnie McElveen-Hunter
Chairman of the Board, American Red Cross
HOMETOWN HEROES
The Red Cross draws its very identity from the millions of everyday heroes who donate their time, blood, and financial resources to the organization. These "Hometown Heroes" are the face of the Red Cross, and its most valuable asset. The ongoing Hometown Heroes campaign provides tools and strategies to help us recognize heroes in our own community.
An individual or volunteer becomes a "Hero" by agreeing to raise at least $1000 for their chapter during the campaign fundraising period. The funds may be raised in a variety of ways, such as individual donations, employer sponsorship, civic clubs, schools, etc. The goals of the campaign are:
*To raise significant funds for the chapter with minimal cost
*Identify new prospects for a chapter's major donor program
*To create a level of visibility usually only seen during a major disaster
*Involve substantial numbers of new volunteers in the chapter.
CHANGE A LIFE
"Change a Life" shows how all of our lives are connected through the Red Cross. Maybe one person receives lifesaving blood from someone they never met. Another person's financial contribution provides shelter during a storm for a family they may have not met, but to whom their generosity means everything. Another person learns CPR hoping they would never need to use it, but the training means they can help a stranger who immediately and unexpectedly needs resuscitation. The campaign shows how the Red Cross is a way to help others, and by doing so, has a profound effect on the person who provides the help as well. This message is summed up in ......"Support the Red Cross and Change a Life, starting with your own."
DONATE NOW
The Red Cross has a long history of assisting those in need during times of disaster, collecting blood donations,
teaching first aid and lifesaving, and keeping American troops in touch with loved ones at home. Whether
supported through an outright gift or a life income gift, all Red Cross programs and services are made possible
through generosity and commitment of people like you! A gift to the Red Cross helps to ensure the future of
the services and programs we provide and may further your financial and estate planning goals.
The Red Cross is an independent, not-for-profit volunteer organization that primarily relies on people like you for
support. Your time, money, and blood donations make what we do possible. In addition to seeking individual
donations, many Red Cross chapters raise funds in cooperation with their local United Way. A small percentage
of the Red Cross funding also comes from corporations, foundations, and government contracts or grants.
The services provided by the West Alabama Chapter of the American Red Cross are entirely dependent upon
the generosity of the residents of our seven county service area.
THERE ARE MANY WAYS YOU CAN HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS IN WEST ALABAMA:
- VOLUNTEER your time and talents;
- SEND A GIFT "in honor of" or "in memory of" a friend or loved one;
- Inquire within your corporation about charitable contributions, corporate sponsorships, and matching gifts;
- Include a BEQUEST for the West Alabama Red Cross in your will.
WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE:
- DONATE BY PHONE: Make a credit card contribution by phone
- DONATE STOCK: Make a gift to support the West Alabama Chapter
- DONATE BY MAIL: Send a check to support the West Alabama Chapter
CONTACT OSCAR BARNES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
205-758-3608
For online information on ways to contribute, visit www.redcross.org/donate/donate.html
For online information on planned giving, visit www.redcrosslegacy.org/