In Washington, D.C., the winds of change have been blowing over the last year, and that has an impact on charities, as well. Along those lines, the American Red Cross has been impacted in many ways by the new presidential administration. Specifically, the car donation program that powers much of the Red Cross’s efforts has had its bottom line affected. But has it been a positive change or a negative one?

That question isn’t so much a political one, since the answer is pretty much cut and dry. Though you will never hear President Obama ask people to donate a car in Washington, the emphasis on public service has been a staple of his first year in office.

Even during the campaign period, Obama encouraged individuals to give of their time and give of their possessions to help out those in need. But simply giving that type of support has not been the only way that the new administration has helped to boost car donation.

There have also been some quantifiable changes that have taken place. The President has made sure that the tax plan includes some breaks for those people who want to donate a car to charity. Though the breaks have always been there to help car donation, it appears that they are here to stay for quite some time to come. The emphasis on service has not just been a bit of lip service in this instance. Instead, the follow through has helped make it a reality, and places like the American Red Cross have been a beneficiary.

It is widely known that Clara Barton founded The American Red Cross, but not many of us know that much about her. The point of this article is not to provide a detailed biography, but to provide a picture of the person whose spirit continues to resonate today as strongly as it did in 1881.

Clara Barton, the youngest child of Sarah Stone and Stephen Barton, was born on Christmas Day 1821 in Oxford, Massachusetts. Her childhood was quite a difficult one, but even at an early age she showed signs of what was to come. In her late teens her parents, on the advice of a doctor, advised Clara to become a teacher in order to overcome her shyness. She took on forty boys and girls at a district school. After her school received an award for discipline, Clara received many job offers, and demanded (and received) the same pay as male teachers.

On April 19, 1861 troops arrived in Washington in disarray, having been routed by the secessionists. Barton and her sister met the men, some of whom she had taught, at the train station. The city had no facilities for the soldiers, and so Clara and her sister took the most seriously injured to her sister’s home and looked after them. Finding that the men’s baggage had been lost in the fighting at Baltimore, Clara solicited local merchants to round up clothing, food, and supplies.

Barton became the recipient of supplies sent to Washington in reply to letters the men had sent home. When large numbers of wounded soldiers arrived in the city following the first battle of Manassas, she collected supplies from groups such as the Worcester Ladies’ Relief Committee, instructing the women on what to pack and how to pack it.

Following the war, President Lincoln put Barton in charge of locating Prisoners of War. She answered hundreds of letters that poured in, giving or requesting information about the dead and missing.

Clara first became associated with the newly formed International Red Cross in Europe when the Franco-Prussian War broke out. She set up a number of aid centers in several war torn cities.

The American Red Cross was formed on May 12, 1881 following four years of lobbying in Washington. The organization struggled financially for many years but provided great assistance wherever Chapters were established. Clara Barton made The American Red Cross presence felt in emergencies such as the Johnstown flood, the Sea Island and Galveston hurricanes, and typhoid outbreaks in Butte, Pennsylvania.

Clarissa Harlowe Barton died of pneumonia at Glen Echo on April 12, 1912.

Many people have decided to volunteer in various charities this month. This increase in interest has been stimulated by the awareness that so many people are struggling in this economic climate, and the fact that March is American Red Cross month. The Manitowoc/Calumet Chapter of The American Red Cross lists a number of volunteer opportunities on its website. Many similar opportunities are available through other Chapters. As a result, it is worthwhile describing some of those opportunities here.

A Disaster Action Team responder is called upon as the first person available to respond to emergencies, and to help with urgent emergency needs such as food, clothing and shelter. DAT members may utilize the Chapter Disaster Response Vehicle, Client Assistance Cards, and Disbursing Orders in order to provide assistance. DAT responders are also the first to respond when large-scale disasters strike. DAT candidates are required to complete about four hours of Red Cross training, and are initially accompanied by an experienced DAT responder. Candidates must be willing, and available, to work in all weather conditions and at any hour of the day or night.

First Aid, CPR, and AED instructors also play an important role as volunteer members of The American Red Cross. Instructors teach individuals and businesses regularly at local Chapters, including Manitowoc/Calumet. Instructors may also be required to give special presentations during community events, to civic groups, and to community organizations. Instructor positions require the ability to speak with confidence in public, to demonstrate basic skills in a classroom setting, and a willingness to learn. A teaching background is also preferred, but not essential. The American Red Cross will provide all appropriate training.

As a charity that receives no government funding, The American Red Cross relies heavily on donations by members of the public, as well as businesses. In order to maximize the amount of donations received, Chapters require motivated individuals to organize fundraising events in the local community. Donations may include money, blood, clothing, blankets, and even vehicles. This volunteer position requires the ability to express the mission of The American Red Cross to others in a professional manner, to utilize basic computer software, and excellent organizational, planning, and promotional skills.

These volunteer positions generally only require a few hours of effort each week, but make a huge difference to the people in your community. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, contact your local Chapter of The American Red Cross.

We have been reminded in the past few days of the hazards posed by wintry conditions. This weather also shows us that you need to be prepared for any emergency at all times. The following advice should make it easier to survive the hazards caused by severe snowstorms.

A winter storm watch means that a winter storm is possible in your area. When a storm watch is issued you should listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio, tv stations, or cable tv stations such as The Weather Channel. You should also be alert to changing weather conditions, and avoid unnecessary travel.

A winter storm warning means that a winter storm is headed for your area. When a winter storm warning is issued, you should heed the following advice:

· Stay indoors during the storm.

· If you must go outside, several layers of lighter clothing will keep you warmer than a single heavy coat. Gloves/mittens and a hat will prevent the loss of body heat. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs.

· Understand the hazards of wind chill.

· Walk carefully on icy sidewalks.

· If you are shovelling snow following the storm be sure to take frequent breaks to avoid fatigue.

· Avoid travelling by car in a storm. But if you must travel: carry a disaster supplies kit in the trunk, keep your car’s gas tank full for emergency use and to keep the fuel line from freezing, let someone know your intended destination, route, and the time you expect to arrive.

A blizzard warning means that strong winds, blinding wind-driven snow, and dangerous wind chill are expected. You should immediately seek shelter.

Public donations allow The American Red Cross to provide assistance to individuals and families in the wake of winter storms and other emergencies. This assistance may include shelter, clothing, blankets, or possibly even food. Donations obviously come in many forms. Recently, The American Red Cross has been encouraging people to think ‘outside the box’ and consider donating a used car or other vehicle. All vehicles are accepted, and they don’t even need to be running. Donated vehicles sold by the American Red Cross for over $500 can be claimed as a tax deduction.

Yesterday, I wrote about some things you could do to prepare for flooding in your area. Today, I want to write about tornadoes. Tornadoes can be far more frightening than floods, but careful preparation can significantly reduce the risk of harm to your family. Your local Chapter of The American Red Cross can provide advice more specific to conditions in your area.

If the area where you live experiences tornadoes your family should make a home tornado plan. Pick a place where family members can gather if a tornado threatens your home. Some safe places may include a basement, a hallway in the center of your house, or even a closet on the lowest floor of the house. If you are caught in a high rise building and don’t have enough time to get to the ground floor move to a hallway in the center of the building. It is important to know what the various storm weather warnings mean, and what you should do when you hear them.

A tornado watch means a tornado is possible in your area. When a tornado watch is issued, listen to local radio and tv stations for updates. Be alert to changing weather conditions. Blowing debris or the sound of an approaching tornado (similar to the sound of a freight train) may alert you.

When a tornado warning is issued and you are already inside, move to the safe place you picked as part of your family tornado plan. Move away from windows, and as close to the center of the house as possible. If you are outside the home when the warning is issued get inside as soon as possible. If you do not have enough time to get to your house, lie flat in a ditch, or low-lying area. If you are in a mobile home or car, get out of the vehicle and head for a safe area, as outlined above.

After the tornado passes, watch out for fallen power lines and stay out of the damaged area; also, listen to the radio for information and instructions; use a flashlight to inspect your home for damage; and, do not use candles at any time.

Members of The American Red Cross play an important part in emergencies such as tornadoes, both before and after the tornado has passed. Volunteers can provide you with valuable advice at any time regarding preparations for tornadoes, and afterwards they are very visible in recovery efforts. You can help The American Red Cross to continue their important emergency work by donating a car or another vehicle. These donated vehicles can provide a substantial profit when they are re-sold and will make a real difference in the event of an emergency.

A few days ago, I wrote about the importance of putting together an Emergency Preparedness Kit. However, there is more specific advice that can be applied to disasters, such as flooding and tornadoes. We are seeing major flooding in the Midwest at the moment, but no area of the country is immune from natural disasters. Today I want to focus on what you should do in the event of a flood. Tomorrow I am going to offer some advice regarding tornadoes.

If flooding is predicted in your neighborhood, listen to local radio and tv stations for flood information. Also remember, that heavy rain can very easily become a flash flood. So preparedness is vital.

It is important to know what flood warnings mean. These warnings are listed below:

A flood watch means that a flood is possible in your area. If a flood watch is issued, move your furniture and valuables to higher floors in your home. Fill your vehicle’s gas tank in case you have to evacuate. Everyone has seen television footage of gas stations being overrun with people in the last few hours before a major emergency. It is vital that you are prepared early. Safe is better than sorry.

A flood warning means that flooding is already occurring, or will occur soon in your area. If a flood warning is issued, listen to local tv and radio stations for updates. If you are told to evacuate, do so immediately.

A flash flood watch means flash flooding is possible in your area. Be alert to signs of flash flooding, and be ready to evacuate quickly.

A flash flood warning means a flash flood is occurring, or will occur very soon. If a flash flood warning is issued, evacuate immediately. By the time you hear the warning you may only have seconds to escape. Move to higher ground away from creeks, rivers, streams, and storm drains. Never drive around barricades. If your car stalls in rapidly rising waters, abandon it immediately and move to higher ground. Many people get caught in quickly rising floodwaters because they overestimate their chances of driving over a low bridge. In the case of a flash flood in particular, the water level can rise by meters in a matter of seconds, so if in doubt, don’t.

The volunteers of The American Red Cross provide much help and support to people during times of natural disasters such as flooding. The assistance they provide would not be possible without support from the public. This is why donations are so vital. Following natural disasters, clothing, blankets, and blood may be in high demand. Donating a used vehicle is a great way to contribute in a meaningful way. It goes without saying that natural disasters often put a great strain on the resources of The American Red Cross, so every donation helps. To you, a used car may not be worth much, but the difference it can make is immense.

A new season is upon us and it is a good time to remind ourselves that we need to be ‘Red Cross Ready’ in case of an emergency. This is a good time to not only check the existing measures we have in place but to ensure that the old ones are still in good working order. The American Red Cross recommends that all householders do the following:

· Test all smoke alarms, both at home and work. Don’t forget to test carbon monoxide alarms as well. Replace the batteries if necessary.

· Update the emergency contact information in your family’s communication plan. Choose an out-of-area emergency contact that each family member can contact if he/she becomes separated in a disaster situation.

· If you don’t have an Emergency Preparedness Kit, get one now. If you do have a kit, make sure that it contains the following contents: at least a 3 day supply of non-perishable food and water (one gallon per person per day), a flashlight, a battery powered or hand-crank radio, a multi-purpose tool, a first aid kit, copies of important documents, and special items such as medications, diapers, and infant formula.

· Even if you have only checked your emergency kit within the last few months, it is still worthwhile re-checking it and replacing old staples, such as food and water, with new ones. Members of your family may also have changed their medications, or have had a change in dietary requirements since you last prepared your emergency kit.

The warmer weather means that some other changes may need to be made to your Emergency Preparedness Kit. You will need to swap blankets for lighter sheets, and warm clothing (jumpers, jeans) for cooler clothing (shorts, shirts). Sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent will also be useful. You could even include a small battery-powered fan.

By ensuring that you are adequately prepared, your family will have a far greater chance of surviving in an emergency situation.

The American Red Cross sells Emergency Preparedness Kits and other similar items online. Simply follow the links to the Red Cross Store.

None of us need to be reminded of the integral part volunteers from charities such as The American Red Cross play in times of emergency. As a Non Government Organization, The American Red Cross relies heavily on donations from members of the public. As part of your Spring clean, you may have decided to buy a new car, or finally decided to get rid of the old one that was sitting in the garage all winter taking up space while a family member was trying in vain to restore it to some former glory. The American Red Cross gratefully accepts all types of vehicles as donations, even vehicles that are not running.

Each year, paid and volunteer members of The American Red Cross provide an invaluable service to the members of our armed forces and their families. Some ways in which they do this include:

· Maintaining an around the clock, around the world emergency communication network, ensuring that family members can get in contact with each other during times of personal emergency. This service transmits and receives more than 1000 messages a year - at no cost to the service personnel or their families.

· Providing military personnel and their families access to interest-free grants and loans when urgent crises occur.

· Aiding veterans by providing access to financial assistance from either military or civilian sources.

· Offering counselling to service personnel, or their families.

These important services would not be possible without the continuing support of members of the public. If you would like to find out more, or become a volunteer yourself, get in touch with your local American Red Cross Chapter. There are Chapters all over the country and chances are that there is one very close to you. It goes without saying that any help is greatly appreciated so why not get involved today.

Donations also ensure that services such as the one detailed above can continue right throughout the year. Many donations are made in the form of money, as this is probably the most obvious method, but there are many other ways in which your actions can make a lasting difference. All Chapters of The American Red Cross hold fundraising events throughout the year, such as the Twin Cities Heroes Breakfast mentioned in a previous news article. Another less well-known way of making a donation to The American Red Cross is by donating a used car or other vehicle. All vehicle donations valued at over $500 are tax-deductible. Every dollar makes a difference.