 |
|
|
|
The Response To The Crisis In Iraq
In regards to the conflict with Iraq, everyone is wondering “What can I do?” We understand the strong need for everyone to show their support and appreciation to the members of our Armed Forces. However, due to heightened security concerns and transportation restrictions, the delivery of care packages and letters has been suspended, effective March 31, 2003.
What The Red Cross Is Doing
The American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services (AFES) is prepared to assist our military personnel when necessary. Your local Red Cross reaches out to members of the Armed Forces and their families by providing an emergency communication link between military personnel and their families back home. Nationwide, the Red Cross is assisting more than 1,100 military families daily with urgent messages regarding a serious illness, death of a loved one or the joyous birth of a child.
Currently, 37 American Red Cross staff members are serving in offices in Turkey, Bahrain and Diego Garcia and on four different deployment operations in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Kosovo and Afghanistan in support of U.S. forces.
What The Public Can Do
You can still make a difference, however. We encourage you to seek other opportunities to assist and comfort the military members and their families. Here are a few ways you can help:
Make a financial donation - Donate money to help the Red Cross provide free services to the thousands of men and women serving in the military – and their families back home. To make a financial donation, please call the Chapter (508) 756-5711 X304 or mail a check to the American Red Cross of Central Massachusetts, 61 Harvard St., Worcester, MA 01609 or visit our website at www.redcrossworcester.org.
To help with the Red Cross and Red Crescent humanitarian relief efforts you may also make a financial donation to the American Red Cross International Relief Fund. https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation-form.asp Donate Blood - By donating blood you will help the American Red Cross meet the blood needs of civilians and military personnel. Local blood drives are listed on www.redcrossworcester.org Military Connect Card – Donate a phone card to someone serving in the military. For more information on this new program, visit www.militaryconnect.org Send a free E-mail to our troops: Visit the following website for further information. http://anyservicemember.navy.mil/About.html Volunteer – Many who normally perform volunteer service with local Veterans are now deployed service members. Consider volunteering at local Veterans hospitals or nursing homes or provide services for local community outreach programs. For more information about volunteer opportunities with the American Red Cross, contact Nicole Valentine at (508) 756-5711 X 328.
The American Red Cross urges you to support our essential services. You can help members of the U.S. military and their families through the American Red Cross as we provide assistance and comfort. Your gift to the American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services will support the nationally coordinated Red Cross services provided to military families across the country and to American service men and women located throughout the world. You can also help those affected by this crisis and countless others around the world each year by making a financial gift to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief and long-term support through supplies, technical assistance and other support to help those in need. Call 1-800-HELP NOW or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Contributions may be sent to your local American Red Cross chapter or to the American Red Cross International Response Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013 or American Red Cross Armed Forces Emergency Services, P. O. Box 91820, Washington, DC 20090. Internet users can make a secure online contribution by visiting www.redcross.org.
|
|
|
