Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the American Red Cross?
A. A volunteer led humanitarian organization providing relief to victims of disasters and helping people to prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Q. Who are Red Cross volunteers?
A. We are your neighbors. We come from all walks of life to help people, regardless of race, creed, color, or religion. We are the woman next door who teaches first aid at the community center. We are the small business owner across town who helps a family find shelter after their home burns to the ground, and the spouse of someone in the U.S military who provides casework services to families on base.
We are the student on summer vacation who delivers meals to the home bound, the school nurse who teaches Red Cross AIDS education at local work sites, and the Chief Executive Officer of a major corporation offering management skills and encouraging employees to volunteer their time to the Red Cross.
No matter who we are, our goal is the same - to make our community a better, safer place to live.
Q. How is the American Red Cross funded?
A. We're an independent, not for profit volunteer organization that primarily relies on people like you for support. Your time and money makes what we do possible. In addition to individual donations, many Red Cross chapters raise funds in cooperation with their local United Way.
Q. How much of the money raised by the Red Cross is used to help people?
A. At the Westchester Chapter, more than 87 cents of every dollar raised goes back into the community in the form of programs and services. This remarkably low overhead is made possible by the commitment of our many volunteers. The ratio of volunteers to paid staff is 55 to 1.
Q. How did the Red Cross get started in the United States?
A. In Europe in 1862, Swiss Citizen Jean Henry Dunant published A Memory of Solferino, describing the suffering and devestation of an 1859 battle in Italy and how he tried to help the thousands of wounded. He urged the creation of a war relief society. His writing inspired nations to unite and organize the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. His work laid the groundwork for an international humanitarian agreement known as the Geneva Convention in 1863 and the resulting system of national relief societies now known as The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (ICRC).
In America, citizens had learned first hand the ravages of war during the civil war, in particular a volunteer nurse named Clara Barton. Following the war, Clara went on a trip to Europe where she learned of the great work being done by the ICRC and became determined to establish such an organization for the alleviation of human suffering in the United States, as well. It took several years but she successfully lobbied for the United States ratification of the Geneva Convention, and the American Association of the Red Cross was then officially founded on May 21, 1881. This organization, which at the time had no offical connection with the United States government, vested all powers of administration in its president, Clara Barton, and an executive board of eleven members.
Q. Is the Red Cross a U.S government agency?
A. No. the U.S. Congress chartered the American Red Cross to provide emergency - related services to members of the U.S. armed forces and disaster relief services to victims, at home and abroad. To this day, every Red Cross chapter is obligated to provide such services. But the Red Cross was at the turn of the century, and is today, an independent organization.
Q. Who runs the American Red Cross?
A. The Red Cross policy is set by volunteer leaders at both the national and the local levels. Local volunteers help determine Red Cross programs and services, basing their decisions on community needs. Paid and volunteer staff at the national level help support local Red Cross activities by providing technical assistance, developing course materials, and giving other support type services.
An all volunteer Board of Governors sets national Red Cross policies under which chapters across the country operate.
Q. Does the Red Cross work with other community organization and groups?
A. Yes. Many Red Cross programs and services are specifically aimed at minorities, young people, disabled persons, the elderly, people in the workplace, and others.
To reach these various groups, the Red Cross works hand-in-hand with many different organizations, including minority groups, schools, labor unions, public health agencies, corporations, and other public and private service organizations.
For example, in the devastating aftermath of Hurricanes Georges and Mitch in the fall of 1998, the Westchester Chapter joined forces with the Westchester Hispanic Coalition and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to help raise funds for the millions of victims affected.
Working together makes all our jobs easier - and our lives better.
Q. How can I help through the Red Cross?
A. There are numerous ways you can help. One is by becoming a Red Cross Volunteer. We can match almost any skill with a need or teach you new skills you can use for a lifetime. Or, if qualified you may want to join our ranks as a leadership volunteer and help direct your chapter's course of activities.
Another critical way you can help the Red Cross is through financial donations. All Red Cross assistance is free. We are NOT a government agency and rely on generous contributions of the American People to remain viable.
There are several ways to make a donation. You may make an online donation, or you may mail a check or money order to the Chapter at
American Red Cross
106 North Broadway
White Plains, NY 10603
or call the chapter at (914) 946-6500 ext 401 to make a credit card donation.
You can also give the gift of stock or annuities or remember the Red Cross in your will. Call the Financial Development Department for details at (914) 946-6500 ext. 403.
Remember: For each dollar donated in Westchester, 87-cents returns directly back into the community in the form of programs and services.
Whichever way you decide to help, remember, when you give to the American Red Cross, you're contributing to an organization whose name and emblem are universally recognized as a guarantee of impartiality, quality, trust, and reliability. For 100 years, we have been there when America needed us. Whatever you contribute to the Red Cross helps make your community - and the world - a better place.