LETTER: March is Red Cross month

Across the United States, March is recognized as American Red Cross Month. As one of the nation’s best known humanitarian organizations, the Red Cross has been at the forefront of helping Americans prevent, prepare for and respond to large and small disasters for 127 years.

Communities depend on the Red Cross in times of need, and the Red Cross depends on the support of the American people to achieve its mission.

This year the Red Cross is taking time in March to focus on the volunteers and employees who demonstrate such compassion and generosity by supporting the Red Cross in Ascension Parish and around the country. As one of more than 700 chapters across the country, we rely on these everyday heroes to give their time and talents to help others through CPR, first aid and automated external defibrillator training, disaster response or to make donations of time or money.

In the past year alone, the Louisiana Capital Area Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to 452 local emergencies, provided nearly 1,000 services to military families, and trained 12,393 people in lifesaving skills. Volunteers and donors provided the immediate emergency needs to thousands affected by hurricanes Gustav and Ike. Across this community, the Red Cross is an organization people can rely on for help, comfort, assistance and compassion. On behalf of the Louisiana Capital Area Chapter, I thank you for your support to help us continue our service to those in Ascension Parish who need us every day.

Patrick Mockler

Chapter Chairman