The American Red Cross is a worldwide humanitarian organization founded in 1881. Its mission is to help people prevent, prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters such as hurricanes and tornadoes, as well as other life-threatening emergencies. Volunteers are the very essence and life force of the Red Cross, comprising 90% of its staff.
The Birmingham Area Chapter of the Red Cross includes service centers in Birmingham and Bessemer as well as Blount, Jefferson, Shelby, St. Clair, Bibb and Walker Counties. The Red Cross also administers Project SHARE which helps elderly and disabled Alabamians with utility assistance. In addition to its widely known blood donor program and emergency services, the Red Cross is heavily involved in community education. Ongoing classes are provided in lifesaving skills like CPR, emergency preparedness, and fire prevention. For more information, call (205) 458-8282 or visit www.birminghamredcross.org. |