Red Cross Is 127 Years Old

SEBRING - American Red Cross Service Director for Highlands County, Art Harriman, celebrated the 127th anniversary today, of the national chapter's founding by attending a business meeting.

Glenn Fowler, service delivery specialist said the local Red Cross has been providing local disaster relief for 76 years since 1932.

"This office has responded to as many single family fires so far this year at 46 as we have in any other year previous," he said.

The agency's most recent response was Saturday, May 17, when a kitchen fire displaced a family of five at 500 Holmes Avenue, in Lake Placid.

American Red Cross volunteers drove out to the home. The family did not require assistance for clothing or groceries, but it did accept personal hygiene kits, odor control concentrated cleaners to help salvage personal items from the home and Publix gift cards that were donated by Florida Blood Centers.

Donations also have been down 48 percent at the local chapter so far this year. The Red Cross relies on community donations and any kind of public support is appreciated.

The Red Cross also offers series of classes. To take classes in CPR and life saving techniques or to donate, call 863-386-4440.

The American Red Cross was established on May 21, 1881, the agency's Web site claims.
"After many years of campaigning on its behalf, the American Red Cross (was) founded by Clara Barton and a circle of associates."

The 2004 hurricane relief effort was one of the largest sheltering operations in the history of the American Red Cross, the Web site adds.

That year proved to be one of the most active hurricane seasons in U.S. history with the onset of hurricanes Charley, Frances, Ivan and Jeanne.

"From August through October, the Red Cross opened more than 1,800 shelters and evacuation centers, provided shelter to more than 425,000 evacuees, served more than eleven million meals and snacks to victims and emergency responders, and started casework with more than 59,000 families.