By Ellen F. Brown
I am fortunate to never have needed emergency services from the Red Cross. I don’t think I even know anybody who has. What a blessing.
Yet, the Red Cross has affected my life in profound ways. Because this organization exists, I live secure in the knowledge that, should I face catastrophe, help will be there. If a hurricane descends or my house burns to the ground, the Red Cross will lend a hand. If I suffer a medical emergency, a bystander may know CPR or first aid thanks to a Red Cross safety class. And, if disaster strikes others, the Red Cross makes it possible for me to get involved by its expert and efficient coordination of volunteer and fundraising efforts. In these and many other ways, it is a vital part of my wellbeing.
If you rest easier because of the Red Cross, I urge you to consider whether you have done all you can to show your appreciation. The Red Cross depends on us all to help on an ongoing basis, whether it be through active disaster relief, volunteering behind the scenes, donating blood, donating money, or working to raise awareness. This organization deserves our best efforts and will put them to magnificent use.
Ellen F. Brown is an award-winning freelance writer and co-author of the book MARGARET MITCHELL’S GONE WITH THE WIND: A BESTSELLER’S ODYSSEY FROM ATLANTA TO HOLLYWOOD. She lives in the historic Fan District of Richmond, Virginia, with her husband and their two young sons.
This guest post was contributed by the author to Writers for the Red Cross. Writers for the Red Cross is a month-long celebration that brings writers, readers, editors, literary agents and independent bookstores together to raise funds and awareness for the Red Cross during Red Cross Month.
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