American Red Cross - Dona Ana County Division

DONOR:

Laura Wright, Board Member, 1999

SIZE:

Seven cubic foot

SCOPE & CONTENT:

8 boxes of scrapbooks, 1916 forward; 1 box tapes and film strips of training information.

BIOGRAPHY:

More than 90 percent of all American Red Cross responses in New Mexico are to single-family home fires. These disasters often leave fellow community members without food, clothing, shelter, or a place to sleep. The American Red Cross provides basic care as-needed to these families.

The American Red Cross was founded by Clara Barton and a circle of her acquaintances in Washington, D.C. on May 21, 1881. Barton first heard of the Swiss-inspired global Red Cross network while visiting Europe after the Civil War. As one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. They depend on the many generous contributions of time, blood, and money from the American public to support lifesaving services and programs. Today, the supporters, volunteers, and employees of the American Red Cross provide compassionate care in five critical areas:

People affected by disasters in America

Support for members of the military and their families

Blood collection, processing, and distribution

Health and safety education and training

International relief and development