To the Editor:
You may have heard that March is American Red Cross Month. As one of the nation’s best known humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross has been at the forefront of helping Americans prevent, prepare for and respond to large and small disasters for 127 years. Families and communities depend on the Red Cross in times of need; yet the Red Cross depends on the support of the American people to help sustain the foundation.

Each year during the month of March we formally recognize the Muskingum Lakes Chapter Red Cross and its essential humanitarian role in our community and the role of the chapter to making Carroll, Harrison and Tuscarawas counties a better place. This year we focus on the spirit of the volunteers, donors, partners and employees who support the Red Cross mission of humanitarianism.

This year we dedicate the month to our devoted volunteers; our hometown heroes.  Throughout the month, we celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of the many heroes of the chapter for their contribution to building a better quality of life in our community. For the next 127 years and beyond, the Red Cross will meet the needs of the public by fostering volunteers who are professional, prepared and committed to continuing the tradition of providing supreme service delivery to our community.

For more than 91 years, our local Red Cross has relied on the everyday heroes who donate time, blood or money; heroes who teach youth how to swim; heroes who assist disaster victims; heroes who instruct CPR and first aid classes; and heroes who relay emergency military messages to service personnel.  The Muskingum Lakes Chapter is one of more than 700 chapters across the country who tirelessly serves their community.

In the past year alone, Red Cross volunteers responded to 25 of local emergencies, assisted 61 military families, trained 2,259 people in lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid and instructed 3,126 students in youth safety education.  Red Cross volunteers are the core of the Red Cross, donating their time and energy to selflessly serve those in need.  They demonstrate the compassion and generosity for which Americans are known.

The Red Cross is the organization in the area that many rely on for help, comfort, advice and compassion. On behalf of our local chapter, I thank you for any donation you can make to help us continue our service to those in our community.  For more information, call 330.343.8633 or visit www.mlcredcross.org.

Thank you for your support.
Chad Conrad
Director, Muskingum Lakes Chapter