New Jersey Colonial Crossroads Red Cross Chapter Presentation – April 20 Kiwanis Breakfast Meeting at Charlie Brown’s

Christine Hodde, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Colonial Crossroads Chapter overviewed the good work that organization does for our community and the World. She has been active in the Red Cross for many years. Recently consolidated into the Summit, NJ chapter house, her organization serves 128,000 people in 10 Union and Morris County towns. The Red Cross has its roots in New Jersey - Clara Barton taught school in our state. Founded in 1917, the local chapter provided the ambulance corps for the fledgling Overlook Hospital in Summit.

Their mission is to respond to disasters and to help people prevent and prepare for disasters. Local volunteers help in local disasters, teams were sent to fires in Chatham and Florham Park. Volunteers are also sent to World disasters – a Haitian chaplain at Overlook Hospital was sent to USNS “Comfort” stationed off Haiti to help rescue and recovery from the earthquake. Other disaster support includes providing shelter, food, pure water, mental health counseling and transition from immediate to long term solutions.

Many classes are offered: Life Guard, CPR, Baby Sitting, Organization and Personal Preparedness, etc. These classes help prevent or prepare for disasters. Frequent blood drives are held to improve supplies, which tend to run short in New Jersey. Recent legislation permits 16-year olds to give blood with parental consent. Volunteers provide transportation assistance in Union County. Medical equipment (crutches, walkers, wheel chairs, etc.) are collected and stored and then loaned to those who need the items.

The Red Cross depends on the generosity of donors. Donations are put to work locally and in broader world projects. Please contribute funds and become a volunteer. Photo: Christine Hodde and Chatham Kiwanis President Rich Behling.