American Red Cross Drives to Save Lives

ELLEN LI
Staff Writer
When Clara Barton established the American Red Cross (ARC) organization, her goal was to provide emergency assistance and disaster relief by training volunteers to prepare for, prevent and respond to emergencies.
Today, over one hundred years later, Barton’s dream is being kept alive by the nationwide network of more than 650 local chapters dedicated to saving lives.
One example is the San Gabriel Pomona Valley Chapter which the AHS Red Cross club serves.
Red Cross is a special interest club offered to those who wish to learn more about and gain experience in the medical field as well as train for ARC’s humanitarian mission.
Throughout the year, members also have opportunities to become certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
All of these activities are accomplished through the 20 community service hours that each member completes through services with their club.
“Before Christmas, we held [our annual] holiday toy drive. Recently, we held [another annual] successful blood drive with Key Club,” said Treasurer junior William Chow. “Outside [of school], we work with other Red Cross chapters on packing emergency supplies [for first aid kits].”
Besides these services that Red Cross regularly attends, there are also many other volunteering opportunities that come up during the year in which members can participate in.
“[In] October, there was a Clara Barton Open House Service where we [were assisting] in set up, registering, greeting guests and cleaning up. In November, we each wrote a letter for the Holiday Mail for Heroes program, which is basically writing a letter addressed to a Veteran thanking them for their service to our country,” said Red Cross President junior Eva Moc. “There is [also] a Youth Service Day coming up in April.”
Through these hours of volunteer work, Red Cross members can gain an introduction to emergency aid as well as opportunities to help others in need while forming bonds with other members.
“Going to services helps us have a better understanding of emergency plans and safety, as well as a better look at what Red Cross does as a whole, which is really admirable,” said Secretary sophomore Joy Chen. “You also have a lot of fun and meeting a lot of new people along the way.”