Letter: Red Cross makes a difference

The Three Rivers Chapter of the American Red Cross recently held its annual board meeting and reviewed its fiscal year 2008-09 report.

In the previous fiscal year, your local Red Cross responded to 120 local incidents, usually single-family house fires, and assisted local residents in the eight counties they serve with more than $64,000 in assistance, helping them build their lives after a devastating disaster. The chapter also responded to a Level 4 Disaster in Butte County, where more than 400 volunteers and staff responded for more than two months, opening shelters 16 times and spending more than $600,000 to respond and assist.

Two hundred thirty emergency messages were passed between those in the armed services and their families, assisting those in the military to return home to be with their loved ones. Almost 12,000 people were trained in the life-saving skills of CPR and first aid in the eight counties. 

The Red Cross is a volunteer-led organization. There is only one full-time disaster staff for 13 counties, one CEO and two part-time health and safety coordinators; most everything else is done by volunteers.

The Three Rivers Chapter wants to thank the local community and its partners for their financial gifts, support and volunteerism during this past year.

Charles McCaul
Emergency Services Director
Yuba City