by Karsten Doan, volunteer contributor, American Red Cross North Texas Region

As we wind down towards the end of the year, it is a time of reflection as well as a time to give thanks and appreciation for all the wonderful volunteers and partners that have contributed so much in order to carry out the Red Cross mission.

THANK YOU to our astounding volunteers. The amount of care and generosity that you exude toward those affected by disasters truly make you the heart and soul of the Red Cross. Whether a volunteer is aiding in a home fire response or helping a family affected by the Dallas tornadoes, delivering lifesaving blood to local hospitals, serving our military communities, providing administrative support or helping in the many other ways volunteers work through the Red Cross, there are no words to describe the kindness and passion that you offer to those who truly need it.

THANK YOU to our generous blood donors. You enable hospitals to have the blood needed to quickly help patients in need. Your one donation can save up to three lives. There is always a need for blood and we appreciate the many North Texans who regularly donate in order to help save lives. Please continue to give your time and register for blood drives near and around you at Redcrossblood.org or you can download the mobile “Red Cross Blood Donor” app.

THANK YOU to our financial supporters. Your donations are the reason why we can reach communities when disasters strike. There have been a variety of disasters this year from floods and home fires to tornadoes and more. Most recently your donations help us respond to the 10 tornadoes that tore through the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex area. Your financial support has enabled the Red Cross to provide shelter, food and supplies and comfort items to those in need. Their path to recover is long, but your generosity provides resources to help lead them in the right direction. We cannot tell you enough how much your support mean to the Red Cross and those we serve.  

We want to give a special thanks to our Ready365 corporate and foundation partners who have committed to support the mission of the Red Cross year-round. It is because of your involvement that we are able to prepare for, respond to and help communities recover from disaster big and small. Thank you for the difference you make in North Texas and beyond!

To join our incredible team of volunteer, donate in support of the Red Cross mission or schedule your appointment to give blood, visit www.redcross.org.