For more than 100 years, the Red Cross has improved the lives of those in Southwest Colorado and around the world, but it couldn’t happen without the thousands of volunteers and countless supporters in the local community.
Throughout May, many businesses across Colorado have “turned the state red,” showing their support of the Red Cross’ Century of Service by hanging large “We Support the Red Cross” banners and wearing red shirts.
As part of our century celebration, businesses like SunUte Community Center in Ignacio, AlignTec, 99X Durango’s Hit Music Station, 92.9 The Point, Jonathan E. Cohen, the Bradsby Group of Durango, Wildcat Canyon Liquors and Sky Ute Casino have hung large banners declaring their support for the Red Cross.
To see photos of all of the businesses and people who have supported our Turn the State Red campaign, visit the Southwest Colorado Chapter Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SWCORedCross. Pictures from around Colorado can be viewed on the Colorado Red Cross Flickr page by visiting www.Flickr.com and searching for Colorado Red Cross.
If you want to be part of the Century Celebration, we have some great opportunities. Get a 15 percent discount on a Red Cross CPR, first aid or baby-sitting class now through November. Visit www.redcross.org/colorado-100 to register and to get the discount code. Take a class in May and receive a free T-shirt. Then wear that shirt to show your support.
When you see the banners at these businesses, consider the thousands of people who make a difference every day, from volunteering to donating, preparing for emergencies or helping others prepare.
In what ways can you make a difference in our community? Will you be ready to help, or will you wait for help to come to you?
The Southwest Colorado Chapter always needs volunteers. You can be the one who makes a difference to someone facing a disaster. Volunteer by visiting www.redcross.org/Colorado and clicking on “Volunteer” or by calling 259-6642. Get involved now so you can be trained and ready to help. There are numerous ways to serve our community, from logistics to nursing to public affairs.
You also can make a difference before disaster hits by being prepared. The Red Cross offers free apps for mobile phones and tablets. The Red Cross Flood app will notify you when a flash flood or river flood warning is issued by the National Weather Service. The Red Cross Wildfire app can alert you of active wildfires.
These and other apps are available in Android and iPhone formats and can be downloaded from www.redcross.org/mobileapps or from iTunes or Google Play.
Without the generosity of our donors, however, the Red Cross mission would be impossible to fulfill. You can help us meet that mission by donating to the Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund. To donate, call (800) 733-2767 or visit www.redcross.org/donate.
Make a difference in your community and help the Red Cross see another Century of Service.
Colleen Johnson is executive director of the Southwest Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross. Reach her at 259-6642.
