Over the last six years the number of financial supporters of the Oregon Mountain River Chapter of the American Red Cross has dropped from nearly 6,000 to 1,100. During that time our Chapter’s budget has shrunk from $700,000 to $250,000, and staff from eight to three fulltime equivalent employees. Despite these challenges, response to emergencies and disasters locally has stayed consistent, and the chapter serves about 450 citizens each year.
An example of its commitment to our local community includes a Crook County couple who awoke in the middle of the night to smoke in the bedroom. They grabbed the kids, ran outside, called 911 and jumped into their car. While backing away from the house they accidently ran over their dog. When the Fire Department arrived, they started fighting the fire and called the American Red Cross. The Disaster Action Team volunteers arrived, and after assessing the displaced family’s needs, they offered the five family members three nights lodging, food, and clothing. The Chapter even recruited a local veterinarian to attend to the family’s dog. The cost to the Mountain River Chapter totaled $1,360.
When you need us we are there at any hour, day or night says Tom Farley of the local chapter. “Can you be there for us? The Oregon Mountain River Chapter has a deep commitment to serve our community, yet it receives no government funding. We rely solely on the public’s support to provide services to those affected by disasters…both big and small. From single family house fires to massive earthquakes, our chapter volunteers and staff are always there to help. We are proud of the fact that 91 cents of every dollar the American Red Cross spends goes to humanitarian programs and services. The chapter needs your donations of financial support and volunteer time in order to continue saving and rebuilding lives – down the street, across the country, and around the world.”
To make a donation:
- Call the Oregon Mountain River (OMR) Chapter at 541-382-2142
- Visit the OMR website at http://mountainriver.redcross.org/
- Or send a contribution to the Oregon Mountain River Chapter, PO Box 6839, Bend, OR 97708
Each week around Central Oregon, the American Red Cross needs to collect nearly 600 units of blood and lately, has fallen short of that goal. With a dedicated and professional staff, we operate blood donation centers in Bend and Klamath Falls as well as other areas throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Additionally, they serve the public with mobile and community sponsored blood drives throughout the state. When blood collections exceed use in Central Oregon, the Red Cross has systems in place to move blood products, within the region and nationally, as needed. Each donated unit of blood can help up to three patients in need. Since blood cannot be manufactured, the need is constant and blood must be collected prior to the need. Central Oregon residents have historically risen to this challenge and demonstrated a commitment to helping save lives and that help is needed now, as much as ever
In Oregon, the American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disaster every 20 hours; supplies more than 90 percent of Oregon’s blood; teaches thousands of Oregonians lifesaving skills; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.oregonredcross.org or join our award-winning blog at www.oregonredcross.org/blog.
