By: Brent Tietjen

When I hear about the Red Cross, the first thing that comes to mind is donating blood. Although running blood drives are a high priority for the Red Cross, I didn’t realize all the other areas in our community that the Red Cross impacts.

In addition to blood collection, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Virginia provides disaster services, both locally and nationally, health and safety education throughout the community, services to the Armed Forces, and a Dental Clinic.

With the winter weather in full effect, one of the biggest emergencies that the Red Cross sees in our community are residential fires. A close friend lost her house because of a fire and I saw the devastation that house fires can cause. Fires take away the things that are often taken for granted, like shelter, clothing and food. In addition to losing the necessities, fires can destroy pictures, souvenirs and other sentimental items in a matter of minutes.

Nothing can replace memories but the Red Cross can provide food, clothing and shelter to those who recovering devastating house fire. Those in need are no longer strangers. They are our friends and neighbors, our coworkers and family.

With classes on health and safety topics such as CPR, First Aid, and Disaster Response, the Red Cross is also the leader in ensuring prevention of emergencies in our South Hampton Roads. Check out their simple fire safety tips that only take a few minutes to follow but can save lives and memories.

The American Red Cross of Southeastern Virginia is critical in our community and their work extends far beyond blood collection. To learn more about their organization and all that they do for our community, visit their website. A simple $20 donation can help the American Red Cross provide a warm meal to a family of four. Learn how you can help today.