A box of provisions for disaster victims, blood for suffering patients, shelter when there’s nowhere else to go, emergency message delivered to soldiers from their families – these are just some of the things that the volunteers from American Red Cross busy themselves with. In the face of catastrophe and chaos, one can trust this volunteer-led humanitarian organization to empower people to do extraordinary acts in the most compassionate way.

The American Red Cross, also known as the American National Red Cross, was founded by Clara Barton during the spring of 1881 as a response to the American Civil War. The organization provided medical assistance to wounded soldiers as well as relief efforts to several kinds of disasters. Today, in addition to disaster relief, American Red Cross provides services to five more areas: educational programs on health, safety and disaster preparedness; communication services for military members and their families, community services that assist the less fortunate; collection and distribution of blood and blood products; and worldwide development and relief programs.

Headquartered in Washington D.C., American Red Cross is administrated by volunteers, funded by community donations and supported by its earnings from blood products and health and safety trainings. Every year, it responds to more than 50,000 disasters in the United States ranging from home fires that victimize a single household to earthquakes that affect millions of people. In these occurrences, the American Red Cross, in partnership with other organizations and agencies provide food, shelter and health services to assist families and communities attain optimal well-being and get back on track. The organization also supports America’s military families, provides over 40% of the nation’s blood supply and offers health and safety courses to individuals who want to be well-prepared in helping others in times of emergency.

American Red Cross is able to perform humanitarian work through the support and help of millions of Americans across the nation. By donating their time, effort, money and blood, the organization is able to operate successfully and is given the opportunity to transform compassion into deeds that will touch millions of lives in America and all over the world.