Riverside County Chapter of the American Red Cross celebrates 90 years of service to community

Public Record, The, Apr 24, 2007

When the deadly Esperanza fire destroyed homes, lives, and thousands of acres of brush, the Riverside County Chapter of the American Red Cross was one of the first agencies on scene to assist victims. The immediate and dedicated response to the Esperanza Fire was a prime example of what they've been doing for 90 years: Responding to emergencies and assisting disaster victims.

Ninety years ago, on April 24, 1917, the Riverside County Chapter of the American Red Cross was established. Throughout the years from 1917 to 2007, thousands of people have received assistance and thousands more have learned life-saving skills, increasing their knowledge and ability to survive an emergency.

In honor of their 90 years of service, the Riverside County Chapter of the American Red Cross was presented with a proclamation from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors for their many years of service to the county. Pamela Anderson, CEO of the Riverside County Chapter, recognizes the support as a necessary component in their service. "We are so grateful to the residents and businesses of Riverside County for their continued support and commitment to help our friends and neighbors in times of need," says Anderson.

Disasters the chapter has responded to over it's 90 year history include earthquakes, flooding in Temecula and San Jacinto Valley, 9-11, Southern California wildfires, Katrina/Rita Hurricanes and most recently, the deadly Esperanza fire. To date this year, the Riverside County Chapter has responded to over 300 local disasters, serving over 1,600 individuals. "Nothing is more important to us as an organization than ensuring no one goes without comfort or without hope in times of crisis," Anderson says. The chapter has provided in excess of $200,000 in direct financial aid to families in crisis.

Keeping up with the steep financial demands is a constant effort for the Chapter. "The people in the Coachella Valley have been wonderful but with growth in the Valley and the greater need, for military services, donations are down," explains Anderson.

The Riverside County Chapter receives no government funding and depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers and donors to provide their wide range of community support services, including disaster relief, first aid and CPR training, water safety, services to military personnel and support for blood services. "It's also important for donors to know they need to specify their donation is for Riverside County so it stays within our community," says Anderson. in honor of the 90-year milestone, a commemorative Red Cross Coffee Mug is available for a $90 donation. Anderson encourages residents to be a part of the celebration by making a $90 donation for the mug.

With 90 years behind them, the Chapter is looking forward to the next 90. Anderson looks to the coming years as a challenge and an opportunity. "Building on our 90 year history as a chapter, we will continue to do everything we can to serve this community. As the world and our community evolve, we will adapt to meet contemporary challenges with contemporary solutions."

For information or to make a donation to the Riverside County Chapter of the American Red Cross, www.riversidecounty.redcross.org