Letter to the Editor - Thanks for helping Red Cross make a difference

Editor,

Turning compassion into action has always been the Red Cross way, but we certainly don’t do it alone. That’s why we want to thank you for making Red Cross part of your community.

Last year, Red Cross volunteers helped 17 people in Hill County following disasters like home fires by providing food, shelter, clothing and emotional support. When emergencies like the Amtrak train derailment strike, we meet families’ most immediate needs and let them know they’re not alone.

About 90 percent of our workforce are volunteers who train year-round to respond to disasters big and small. And as another wildfire season approaches, we stand ready to help.

But we do much more than respond to disasters.

Because so many of you raised your hands and rolled up your sleeves, Red Cross collected 1,262 units of blood at 32 Hill County blood drives last year. That’s enough blood to save up to 3,786 lives — blood that is vitally important to cancer patients, accident victims, new moms and countless others across Montana.

Through our service to the Armed Forces program, we support those who serve by providing comfort and care to more than 1,600 Montana military families each year. This includes helping service members return home for major events like a funeral or the birth of a child and giving families the tools to cope with the stresses of deployment.

Responding to disasters, collecting lifesaving blood, supporting our military families … none of this would be possible without the partnerships, trust and support of our communities. Together we are making Montana — and Hill County — a safer, better place to call home.

Learn more at http://montanaredcross.org .

With gratitude,

Scott Shanahan

Montana Red Cross donor recruitment account manager